(10) MT 2: Marine Mammals

Marine Mammals

A class of mammals that are adapted to life in aquatic environments.

Homeothermic

An organism that maintains a stable internal body temperature regardless of external conditions.

Keystone Species

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

Pinnipeds

A suborder of marine mammals including seals, sea lions, and walruses that are characterized by flippers.

Carnivora

An order of mammals that primarily eat meat.

Blubber

A thick layer of fat under the skin of marine mammals that provides insulation.

Baleen Whales

A group of whales that filter feed using baleen plates instead of teeth.

Odontoceti

The suborder of cetaceans that are characterized by having teeth, including dolphins and sperm whales.

Mysticeti

The suborder of baleen whales that have two blowholes.

Polygyny

A mating system in which a male mates with multiple females.

Echolocation

A biological sonar used by certain animals to locate objects by reflecting sound.

Myoglobin

A protein in muscle tissue that binds oxygen, allowing for oxygen storage.

Bradycardia

A slower than normal heart rate, which helps conserve oxygen.

The Bends

A condition arising from dissolved gases coming out of solution into bubbles inside the body on ascent from a dive.

Trophic Levels

The levels in a food chain or food web, depicting the flow of energy and nutrients.

COSEWIC

Canadian government committee responsible for assessing the conservation status of species.

Polyandry

A mating system where a female mates with multiple males.

Gestation Period

The time period from conception to birth, during which the embryo or fetus develops.

Adaptation

A trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Ecological Niche

The role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, encompassing species richness and genetic diversity.

Endangered Species

Species at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, or environmental changes.

Trophic Cascade

An ecological phenomenon triggered by the addition or removal of top predators, affecting population sizes across multiple trophic levels.

Maritime Geography

The study of the oceans and navigable waters, including their physical and human characteristics.

Salinity

The concentration of salts in water, which affects the distribution and behavior of marine organisms.

Estuary

A coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

Coral Reefs

Diverse underwater ecosystems formed by coral polyps and characterized by high biodiversity.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions, impacting ecosystems globally.

Marine Biodiversity Hotspots

Regions of the world that are particularly rich in marine species and are under threat from human activity.

Overfishing

The removal of fish from a body of water at a rate faster than they can replenish, leading to population decline.

Aquaculture

The cultivation of aquatic organisms, such as fish, crustaceans, and plants, in controlled environments.

Pelagic Zone

The open ocean area that is not close to the shore or the sea floor and is characterized by light penetration and diverse marine life.

Benthic Zone

The ecological zone at the lowest level of a body of water, including the sediment surface and sub-surface layers.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Regions of the ocean where human activity is restricted to protect biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Cetaceans

A group of marine mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises, known for their intelligence and complex social structures.

Oceans' Role in Climate Regulation

Oceans act as a major carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and playing a key role in regulating the Earth's climate.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that, when introduced to a new habitat, can outcompete, displace, or harm native species.

Populations Dynamics

The study of how and why populations change over time, affected by birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration.