Marine Ecology Exam 3 Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts related to marine ecology, including primary productivity, nutrient cycles, and the impact of human activities on marine environments.

Primary Productivity

The rate at which energy is incorporated into primary producers through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)

The total rate of energy captured by primary producers through photosynthesis.

Net Primary Productivity (NPP)

The rate of energy remaining after accounting for energy used in cellular respiration.

Euphotic Zone

The upper layer of water where sufficient light penetrates for photosynthesis.

Redfield Ratio

The average ratio of nutrient uptake by marine phytoplankton, approximately 106 C : 16 N : 1 P : 0.0075 Fe.

HNLC Regions

High nutrient low chlorophyll regions where macronutrients are abundant but phytoplankton growth is limited by iron.

Iron Fertilization

A geoengineering idea that involves adding iron to stimulate phytoplankton blooms to absorb CO₂.

Eutrophication

The process where excess nutrients lead to rapid algal growth, resulting in oxygen depletion.

Secondary Productivity

The rate at which consumers incorporate energy through growth and reproduction.

Trophic Levels

The position of an organism in the energy flow of an ecosystem, such as primary producers, primary consumers, etc.

Energy Budget Equation

I = E + R + G, where I is ingested energy, E is egested energy, R is respired energy, and G is growth.

Microbial Loop

The process in which microorganisms recycle dissolved organic matter back into the food web.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that establish and spread, often causing harm to native ecosystems.

Bycatch

The unintentional catch of non-target species during fishing.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Protected marine zones aimed at preserving biodiversity and resources.

Tragedy of the Commons

A situation where shared resources are overused, leading to depletion.

Carbon Cycle

The flow of carbon through the ocean involving the solubility pump, carbonate pump, and biological pump.

Nitrogen Cycle

The cycle describing the transformation and movement of nitrogen through various forms and processes.