Marine Ecosystems in Oceanography

This set of flashcards covers fundamental concepts related to marine ecosystems, their components, interactions, adaptations, and ecological significance.

What are the primary producers in marine ecosystems?

Microscopic phytoplankton such as diatoms, coccolithophores, dinoflagellates, and cyanobacteria.

What role do consumers play in marine ecosystems?

Consumers obtain energy from organic matter and can be classified as primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternary.

What is a detritivore?

An organism that feeds on dead organic matter.

What defines intertidal ecosystems?

The area along the shore between low- and high-tide levels.

What types of habitats can be found in the intertidal zone?

Muddy, sandy, and rocky habitats.

What are tide pools?

Pools formed at ebb tide along rocky shores, inhabited by organisms adapted to fluctuating conditions.

What is the significance of coral reefs?

Coral reefs support biodiversity and provide shelter and food for numerous marine species.

How do hydrothermal vents support life?

They are unique ecosystems where organisms rely on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis.

What is the primary challenge for organisms in the deep ocean?

The lack of organic carbon from the surface, leading to scarce nutrients.

What phenomenon helps maintain high productivity in tropical ecosystems?

Rapid recycling of limited nutrients.

How do benthic organisms interact with their environment?

They can be categorized as epifauna (living on the surface) or infauna (living in the sediment).

What adaptations do sessile organisms have for feeding?

They have holdfasts that allow them to stay in one location while obtaining nutrients from the water.

How do organisms like crabs and lobsters hunt?

They move quickly in short spurts to catch prey or avoid predation.

What role do mangroves play in coastal ecosystems?

They stabilize shorelines, reduce erosion, and provide nursery habitats for marine life.

What adaptations do slow-moving intertidal organisms display?

They can close up to protect themselves from harsh conditions.

How do organisms maintain buoyancy in water?

Some have developed swim bladders, oil-filled livers, or gas chambers.

What is countershading?

An adaptation where organisms are dark on top and light on the bottom to reduce visibility.

What is a keystone species?

A species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem.

Why are otters considered a keystone species?

They help control sea urchin populations, which can overgraze kelp forests.

What is commensalism?

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

What type of reproduction involves external fertilization?

R-type reproduction, where species release vast numbers of eggs into open water.

What adaptations might help marine organisms cope with high-pressure environments?

Flexible structures like cartilage in whales that allow their bodies to withstand pressure.

What adaptations might marine organisms develop for visibility?

Camouflage, countershading, bioluminescence, and specific behaviors.

How do filter feeders obtain food?

By actively capturing or passively collecting organisms from the water.

What type of organisms help recycle nutrients in marine ecosystems?

Decomposers and detritivores that break down organic matter.

What are some challenges organisms face in the intertidal zone?

Fluctuating temperature, moisture, salinity, and wave energy.

Why do organisms in shallow seafloor areas maintain high productivity?

The seafloor keeps nutrients in the photic zone accessible to primary producers.

What is the relationship between coral reefs and biodiversity?

Coral reefs provide habitats for approximately one-third of known marine species.

What happens to coral reefs when they are degraded?

Living corals die, and the reef erodes, leading to increased wave energy and habitat loss.

What unique adaptations do tube worms have in hydrothermal vents?

They rely on chemosynthesis by bacteria that live symbiotically within their tissues.

Why is sound important in marine ecosystems?

Many marine organisms use sound for communication, locating prey, and avoiding predators.

What adaptations do predator species display?

Active hunting strategies and adaptations to enhance their ability to catch prey.

What is an example of a mutualistic relationship in marine ecosystems?

The clownfish and sea anemone, where both benefit from the association.

How do organisms in deep ocean ecosystems cope with harsh living conditions?

By developing specialized adaptations for feeding, oxygen uptake, and reproduction.

What criteria determine the distribution of marine organisms?

Factors such as moisture, temperature, salinity, and nutrient availability.

What is the role of upwelling in nutrient cycling?

It brings nutrient-rich water to the surface, supporting productivity.

What kind of adaptations help organisms cope with wave energy in the intertidal zone?

Muscular foot-like appendages and heavy shells for attachment and protection.

What is bioluminescence used for in marine life?

For communication, attracting mates, or deterring predators.

What types of habitat can be classified under subtidal ecosystems?

Kelp forests, coral reefs, and sea grass beds.

What structural feature do sharks use for buoyancy?

An oily liver that helps them remain buoyant without a swim bladder.

How do adaptations in marine organisms reflect interactions with their environment?

Adaptations improve survival and reproductive success in a variably challenging environment.

What types of challenges do marine organisms face in terms of nutrient availability?

Limited nutrient recycling, especially in deep ocean environments.