MBIO120 Introduction to Marine Biology - Life in the Deep Sea

A set of flashcards to review key concepts from the lecture on deep-sea biology.

What is defined as the part of the ocean below 200 m?

The deep sea.

What percentage of Earth's oceans are below 1000 m depth?

75%.

What is the deepest point in the ocean?

Mariana Trench at 11,034 m (approximately 7 miles deep).

What type of light is present in the deep sea beyond 200 m?

No light; insufficient for photosynthesis.

What is the significance of the HMS Challenger expedition?

It is considered the first true oceanographic expedition and the start of modern oceanography.

What are the main food sources for deep-sea animals?

Detritus from surface waters, dead plankton, and chemosynthetic primary production.

What organisms primarily utilize chemosynthesis in hydrothermal vents?

Bacteria.

What are cold water coral reefs?

Habitats found in temperatures from 4 to 13°C, typically slow-growing species that provide habitat for various organisms.

What threats does the deep sea face?

Climate stressors, resource extraction, pollution, and other human activities.

What are submarine canyons and what do they provide?

Large geomorphological features that modify local currents and trap particles, feeding deep animal communities.