Introduction to Marine Biology
45 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans?

  • 81%
  • 50%
  • 61%
  • 71% (correct)

Which of the following disciplines is NOT a component of oceanography?

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Geology
  • Astronomy (correct)

What term refers to the amount of food marine organisms can produce?

  • Global productivity
  • Ocean productivity (correct)
  • Marine yield
  • Oceanic capacity

Why are marine organisms considered important for scientific research?

<p>They are suited to studying a variety of scientific fields. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When can human interest in the sea be traced back to?

<p>Ancient Greek and Roman times (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature range in which vital processes function for most marine organisms?

<p>0° – 40°C (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the depth zone where rapid temperature decline occurs in the ocean?

<p>Thermocline (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the freezing point of seawater compare to that of pure water?

<p>It is lower than pure water. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique property of water allows it to act as a buffer against temperature changes in aquatic environments?

<p>High specific heat (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what temperature does pure water reach its maximum density?

<p>4°C (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which marine organisms are considered poikilothermic?

<p>Most invertebrates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the viscosity of water as its temperature increases?

<p>It decreases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much energy is required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1°C?

<p>4.17 calories (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what temperature is the frictional resistance to an organism moving through water about 100 times greater than in air?

<p>10°C (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ion constitutes the largest percentage by weight in 34.8 ppt sea water?

<p>Chloride (Cl-) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the freezing point of water?

<p>0°C (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major ecological feature of the sea ensures that all oceans are connected?

<p>Continuous circulation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs when winds move surface water away from coastal slopes, bringing nutrient-rich cold water to the surface?

<p>Upwelling (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the major properties of water relevant to its physical characteristics?

<p>It has a high heat capacity at 1 cal g-1°C-1. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the variation in density in ocean water?

<p>Variations in temperature and salinity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are tides primarily produced by?

<p>The gravitational pull of the moon and sun (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which subgroup of marine mammals does not primarily live in the ocean?

<p>Fissipeds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of marine mammals are concentrated around 40° north and south of the equator?

<p>40% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following marine mammals belong to the sirenian group?

<p>Manatee (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor that influences the metabolic functions of fish and invertebrates?

<p>Water temperature (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group of animals is known to have the least stable water conditions compared to their natural environments?

<p>Fish in aquariums (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is constant attention necessary for maintaining aquarium water conditions?

<p>To avoid toxic chemical accumulation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which marine mammal is categorized under the Ursidae family?

<p>Polar bear (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when water temperature in an aquarium fluctuates rapidly?

<p>Stress and potential death of organisms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average salinity of sea water?

<p>3.5% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs when the sun and moon work together, resulting in higher tidal ranges?

<p>Spring tide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ions constitute the majority of the total salinity in sea water?

<p>Chloride and Sodium (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH level of sea water typically known to be?

<p>8.2 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mainly limits the size of marine populations in terms of nutrients?

<p>Low concentration of dissolved nutrients (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significant factor differentiating the periods of neap tide?

<p>Smallest range between high and low tide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cations is found in the highest concentration in seawater?

<p>Sodium (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do glaciers have on the ocean levels?

<p>Increase sea levels during their growth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Gross Primary Productivity measure?

<p>Total rate of photosynthesis including respiration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Net Primary Productivity?

<p>It's the rate of storage of organic matter in excess of respiratory utilization. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Harvest method in measuring primary productivity?

<p>To track the rate of production from planting to harvest. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves measuring the concentration of oxygen in light and dark conditions?

<p>Oxygen measurement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Carbon Dioxide method measure photosynthesis?

<p>By utilizing a transparent chamber to detect CO2 uptake. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Net Community Productivity represent?

<p>Organic matter not consumed by heterotrophs within a period. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary to use pH as an index of productivity in aquatic ecosystems?

<p>A calibration curve specific to the water system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a good measure of productivity in relation to raw materials in ecosystems?

<p>Decrease in nitrogen or phosphorous concentration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Marine Biology

The study of living organisms in the ocean and their interactions with each other and their environment.

Oceanography

The study of the oceans and their physical phenomena like waves, currents, and tides.

Ocean Productivity

The amount of food marine organisms can produce and the maximum number of organisms the oceans can support.

Why are Oceans Important?

Oceans are a crucial part of our planet, covering nearly 71% of Earth's surface. They are the last vast unknown and have a major impact on our lives because of their physical characteristics.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Interdisciplinary study of Oceanography

Many fields like chemistry, physics, geology, geography, meteorology, and biology overlap to contribute to understanding the ocean.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Temperature

A measure of the energy of molecular motion, affecting life processes and organism distribution in oceans.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Poikilothermic/ectothermic

Organisms whose body temperature varies with the surrounding water temperature.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Homiothermic/endothermic

Organisms that can regulate their internal body temperature.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Thermocline

The depth zone where temperature rapidly declines.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Specific heat

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maximum density of water

The density of water is greatest at 4°C.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Viscosity

The resistance to the flow of a fluid.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Salt content and freezing point

The salt content in water lowers the freezing point.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tides

The regular rise and fall of the ocean's surface caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun.

Signup and view all the flashcards

High Tide

The highest tidal point, occurring twice daily and about 50 minutes later each day.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Spring Tide

A period of exceptionally high and low tides occurring every two weeks when the sun and moon align, reinforcing their gravitational pull.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Low Tide

The lowest tidal point, occurring twice daily and about 50 minutes later each day.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Neap Tide

A period of minimal difference between high and low tides occurring every two weeks when the sun and moon are at right angles, partially canceling their gravitational pull.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Salinity

The measure of dissolved salts in seawater, typically expressed in parts per thousand (ppt).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Buffering

The ability of seawater to resist changes in its pH, making it relatively stable.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nutrient Concentration

The concentration of dissolved nutrients in seawater, typically measured in parts per billion (ppb), which is often a limiting factor for marine life.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Friction in Water vs Air

Friction is much higher in water than air. An organism moving in water experiences approximately 100 times more resistance compared to air at the same temperature.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Major Seawater Ions

The most abundant ions in seawater, measured by weight percentage. These are essential for maintaining the chemical balance of the ocean.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Minor Seawater Ions

The less abundant ions in seawater, still important for ocean chemistry and life.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Boiling Point of Water

The temperature at which liquid water transitions into vapor.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Freezing Point of Water

The temperature at which liquid water changes into solid ice.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Heat Capacity of Water

The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Upwelling

The process where winds displace surface water, bringing nutrient-rich deep water to the surface.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Outwelling

The movement of nutrient-rich estuarine water from coastal areas into the open ocean.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gross Primary Productivity

The total rate of organic matter production by photosynthesis, including the portion used in plant respiration during the measurement period.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Net Primary Productivity

The rate at which organic matter is stored in plant tissues after accounting for the plant's respiration.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Net Community Productivity

The rate of organic matter storage in an ecosystem, taking into account the consumption by all heterotrophs (animals, fungi, bacteria).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Secondary Productivity

The rate of energy storage at consumer levels in an ecosystem.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Harvest Method

A method to measure primary productivity by measuring the increase in plant biomass over time. It is commonly used in agricultural settings.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oxygen Measurement

A method to measure primary productivity in aquatic environments by measuring the change in dissolved oxygen in light and dark bottles.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Carbon Dioxide Method

A method to measure primary productivity by measuring the uptake of carbon dioxide in leaves or in a whole plant community.

Signup and view all the flashcards

pH Method

A method to measure primary productivity in aquatic environments by analyzing the change in pH, which is related to the dissolved CO2 content.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are marine mammals?

Marine mammals are a diverse group of animals that have adapted to live in the ocean. They include whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, walruses, polar bears, sea otters, and manatees.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are cetaceans?

Cetaceans are a group of marine mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises. They are distinguished by their streamlined bodies, flippers, and blowholes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are pinnipeds?

Pinnipeds are a group of marine mammals that includes seals, fur seals, sea lions, and walruses. They are distinguished by their flippers and the ability to walk on land.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are ideal water conditions for marine fish and invertebrates?

The ideal water conditions for marine fish and invertebrates are those that are stable and consistent. They need a specific temperature range, proper salinity, and appropriate levels of dissolved oxygen and nutrients.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why are marine fish and invertebrates sensitive to temperature changes?

Marine fish and invertebrates are cold-blooded, which means their body temperature is dependent on the surrounding water. This makes them vulnerable to rapid changes in temperature.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do aquariums differ from natural aquatic environments?

Aquariums are artificial environments that are more prone to fluctuating water conditions. They have smaller water volumes, making them more susceptible to changes in temperature, pH, and other parameters.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why is water quality important in aquariums?

Maintaining stable water conditions in aquariums is crucial to the health and survival of fish and invertebrates. This involves monitoring temperature, pH, salinity, and other parameters.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What factors contribute to changes in water quality in an aquarium?

The presence of various biochemical processes and metabolic activities from all living organisms within the aquarium can influence water quality. This includes fish, algae, and bacteria.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Introduction to Marine Biology

  • Oceans are the most crucial physical feature of Earth, covering nearly 71% of its surface.
  • Ocean characteristics greatly impact daily life.
  • Living organisms in the ocean are a significant food and natural product source.
  • Ocean productivity (amount of food production and the number of organisms) is an important aspect of marine biology research.
  • Marine organisms are valuable for studying fields like ecology, physiology, biochemistry, biogeography, behavior, genetics, and evolution.

The Study of the Sea and its Inhabitants

  • Oceanography is the study of oceans and their phenomena (e.g., waves, currents, tides).
  • Oceanography uses various disciplines, including chemistry, physics, geology, geography, meteorology, and biology.
  • Marine biology focuses on living organisms in the seas and their interactions with each other and their environment.
  • Oceanography and marine biology overlap; both are crucial for understanding the oceans and their inhabitants.

History of Marine Biology

  • Human interest in the sea dates back to ancient times (Greeks and Romans).
  • Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, was an early naturalist and developed a classification system.
  • Charles Darwin's expeditions provided valuable insights into marine organisms.
  • The Challenger expedition (1872 – 1876) marked a significant milestone in the development of marine biology and oceanography.
  • Important institutions like Scripps Institute of Oceanography, the University of Miami's Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and the Friday Harbor Laboratories were founded.
  • Alexander Agassiz and Louis Agassiz greatly contributed to marine biology.

Geography and Geomorphology of the Oceans/Seas

  • The marine environment is divided into two major divisions: pelagic (water column) and benthic (ocean bottom).
  • Pelagic and benthic divisions are further subdivided based on distance from land, light availability, and depth.
  • Examples of zones include intertidal, shelf, bathyal, abyssal, and hadal zones.

Physical Properties of Water

  • Water has a high boiling point (100°C), freezing point (0°C), heat capacity, and latent heat of fusion and vaporization.
  • Water's specific heat and high heat capacity make it a crucial environmental buffer.
  • Water's density and freezing point are influenced by salt content.
  • Water's viscosity affects the movement of marine organisms.

Environmental Factors Affecting Marine Organisms

  • Maintaining homeostasis – a crucial challenge for all living organisms.
  • Crucial environmental factors affecting marine organism distribution include temperature, water, salinity, and pressure.
  • Many abiotic factors, like temperature, salinity, pressure, light, and nutrients, influence marine organisms' distribution.
  • The tolerance ranges of different organisms are vastly different.

Marine Biota and Productivity

  • Oceans contain a vast array of living species, including plankton and nekton in the pelagic community, and benthos in the benthic community.
  • Pelagic communities are categorized into megaplankton, macroplankton, microplankton, nanoplankton, and ultraplankton.
  • Benthic communities include attached algae, as well as larger actively swimming animals (nekton).
  • Organisms like phytoplankton are the primary food source.
  • Productivity—the crucial rate of organic matter in an ecosystem by photosynthesis and chemosynthesis is affected by nutrient ratios, sunlight, and temperature.

Marine Fishes

  • Fish, like aquatic animals, are greatly affected by chemical, biological, and physical characteristics.
  • Vital water conditions (i.e., pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity) affect the health and survival of all marine organisms (fish).

Marine Mammals

  • Common characteristics of marine mammals include the need to breathe air, being warm-blooded, and possessing mammary glands to produce milk.

Other Vital Topics

  • Metabolic requirements
  • Availability of Nutrients
  • Environmental Factors That Affect The Distribution of Marine Organisms

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Description

Explore the fascinating world of marine biology, focusing on the oceans' impact on life and the diversity of organisms they harbor. This quiz covers the fundamental characteristics of oceans, productivity, and the intersection of marine biology and oceanography. Test your knowledge of how these fields contribute to our understanding of marine ecosystems.

More Like This

Introduction to Marine Biology
12 questions
Marine Biology and Oceanography
10 questions
Oceanography and Marine Biology Overview
19 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser