Marine Biology Exam Review Flashcards

These flashcards cover key concepts in marine biology, focusing on various aspects from cell biology to ecology, organism adaptations, and environmental challenges.

What is the significance of the surface area-to-volume (SA:V) ratio in relation to cell size?

All cells need a high SA:V ratio for efficient exchange of materials; larger organisms have more cells, not bigger ones.

How do open water nekton utilize coloration for survival?

They use countershading to blend in with the water from above and below.

What advantages does ultra-black coloration provide in deep-sea organisms?

It helps hide from predators in bioluminescent environments.

How do sharks remain buoyant?

They have an oil-filled liver, but this method has limited control.

What is the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis?

Moderate disturbance promotes the highest biodiversity; coastal zones show more biodiversity than deep sea.

What causes harmful algal blooms (HABs)?

HABs are caused by nutrient pollution and warming in the ocean.

What are the pros and cons of planktonic life stages?

Pros include wide dispersal and avoidance of parental competition; cons include predation and food scarcity.

Why are microbes essential for nutrient cycling in marine environments?

They break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and fuel food webs.

What does the light/dark bottle method measure in marine primary productivity?

Light bottle measures net production; dark bottle measures respiration.

What impact does depth have on primary production in the ocean?

Depth affects primary production because less light means less production.

What can we learn from tagging nekton?

Tagging can reveal migration routes, breeding areas, habitat use, and impacts of climate change.

What are the differences between dart, satellite, pop-up, and acoustic tags?

Dart tags are simple ID tags; satellite tags send GPS data; pop-up tags detach and transmit later; acoustic tags ping tracked by receivers.

What is eDNA and its benefits and drawbacks?

eDNA is DNA collected from water; it is non-invasive and detects rare species but cannot show abundance and degrades quickly.

What threats do sea turtles face?

Threats include habitat loss, bycatch, plastic pollution, and poaching.

What adaptations do marine mammals have for their environment?

Adaptations include blubber for insulation, large lungs for oxygen storage, and countercurrent heat exchange.

Why is the benthic zone more species-rich than the pelagic zone?

The benthic zone has more structure, niches, and stable conditions, leading to greater species diversity.

How do seagrasses benefit coral reefs?

Seagrasses trap sediment, reduce erosion, and improve water quality, providing nursery grounds for corals.

What problems do coral reefs face due to natural causes?

Natural threats include storms and predators like crown-of-thorns starfish.

What role does the sea otter play in kelp forest ecosystems?

Sea otters control urchin populations; too many otters reduce urchins, and too few lead to urchin overpopulation, harming kelp.