Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was a primary motivation for the Challenger Expedition (1872-76)?
What was a primary motivation for the Challenger Expedition (1872-76)?
- To test the feasibility of long-distance naval navigation.
- To establish international fishing agreements.
- To conduct a comprehensive survey of oceanographic conditions and marine life. (correct)
- To map underwater geological formations for resource extraction.
The Challenger Expedition, lasting over 4 years, covered more than 200,000 km, making it the longest continuous oceanographic survey in history.
The Challenger Expedition, lasting over 4 years, covered more than 200,000 km, making it the longest continuous oceanographic survey in history.
False (B)
Name three key themes that are central to current blue-seas research as presented.
Name three key themes that are central to current blue-seas research as presented.
Changing ocean, predators & prey as indicators of change, gathering data at sea: the recent technological revolution
The collapse of the Grand Banks cod fishery is presented as an example of a significant shift in the ocean environment and highlighted the need for _________ based research.
The collapse of the Grand Banks cod fishery is presented as an example of a significant shift in the ocean environment and highlighted the need for _________ based research.
Match the following drivers with the historical phases of marine science post-Challenger Expedition:
Match the following drivers with the historical phases of marine science post-Challenger Expedition:
Why are top marine predators considered 'indicators' of oceanic change?
Why are top marine predators considered 'indicators' of oceanic change?
Ocean acidification, caused by increased atmospheric carbon dioxide, is not considered a significant stressor on marine ecosystems.
Ocean acidification, caused by increased atmospheric carbon dioxide, is not considered a significant stressor on marine ecosystems.
Besides fishing pressure, name two other stressors that compound pressures on marine ecosystems.
Besides fishing pressure, name two other stressors that compound pressures on marine ecosystems.
Identifying and predicting 'change' in marine ecosystems is described as critical but rarely _______.
Identifying and predicting 'change' in marine ecosystems is described as critical but rarely _______.
Match the marine predator with the case study presented:
Match the marine predator with the case study presented:
What is a 'Lévy flight' search pattern in the context of animal foraging?
What is a 'Lévy flight' search pattern in the context of animal foraging?
Brownian search pattern is characterized by long, directed movements interspersed with short pauses.
Brownian search pattern is characterized by long, directed movements interspersed with short pauses.
How might changes in searching behavior of marine predators serve as an indicator of ecosystem change?
How might changes in searching behavior of marine predators serve as an indicator of ecosystem change?
In basking sharks, gill slits being 'open' is associated with _________ behaviour, while 'closed' gill slits indicate _________.
In basking sharks, gill slits being 'open' is associated with _________ behaviour, while 'closed' gill slits indicate _________.
Match the technology with the type of data it primarily provides in marine predator research:
Match the technology with the type of data it primarily provides in marine predator research:
What is the primary diet of leatherback turtles?
What is the primary diet of leatherback turtles?
Ocean sunfish are considered to be closely related to salmon and tuna.
Ocean sunfish are considered to be closely related to salmon and tuna.
Describe the movement pattern of ocean sunfish based on the research presented.
Describe the movement pattern of ocean sunfish based on the research presented.
Leatherback turtle conservation has historically focused on ________ beaches, but research indicates that ________ mortality is also a critical factor.
Leatherback turtle conservation has historically focused on ________ beaches, but research indicates that ________ mortality is also a critical factor.
Match the term with its description in the context of marine research:
Match the term with its description in the context of marine research:
What is the significance of net primary productivity in the ocean?
What is the significance of net primary productivity in the ocean?
Areas with high net primary productivity are always located in the deep ocean.
Areas with high net primary productivity are always located in the deep ocean.
Explain why the ability to record movements and behavior of marine predators has been 'transformed beyond recognition' recently.
Explain why the ability to record movements and behavior of marine predators has been 'transformed beyond recognition' recently.
The concept of 'fitness' in ecology, as discussed, ultimately relates to the ________ of viable offspring.
The concept of 'fitness' in ecology, as discussed, ultimately relates to the ________ of viable offspring.
Match the ocean current region with its typical net primary productivity level:
Match the ocean current region with its typical net primary productivity level:
What is the approximate maximum size (nose to tail) of an ocean sunfish?
What is the approximate maximum size (nose to tail) of an ocean sunfish?
Basking sharks are filter feeders, consuming primarily large fish and marine mammals.
Basking sharks are filter feeders, consuming primarily large fish and marine mammals.
Briefly describe the methodology used to study the foraging behavior of basking sharks as presented.
Briefly describe the methodology used to study the foraging behavior of basking sharks as presented.
The research suggests that changes in _______ behaviour of top predators can be used as an indicator of ecosystem change.
The research suggests that changes in _______ behaviour of top predators can be used as an indicator of ecosystem change.
Match the oceanographic research tool with its function:
Match the oceanographic research tool with its function:
What is the primary challenge in addressing changes in the oceans, even after identifying them?
What is the primary challenge in addressing changes in the oceans, even after identifying them?
Technological advancements have completely solved all challenges in understanding the lives of oceanic predators.
Technological advancements have completely solved all challenges in understanding the lives of oceanic predators.
Why is interdisciplinary collaboration important in marine biology?
Why is interdisciplinary collaboration important in marine biology?
The presentation emphasizes that tackling problems in the ocean requires marine biologists from ________ discipline.
The presentation emphasizes that tackling problems in the ocean requires marine biologists from ________ discipline.
Match the animal with its scientific name:
Match the animal with its scientific name:
According to the presentation, what is a 'recently emerged predator' impacting leatherback turtles?
According to the presentation, what is a 'recently emerged predator' impacting leatherback turtles?
Conservation efforts focused solely on nesting beaches are sufficient to guarantee the survival of leatherback turtle populations.
Conservation efforts focused solely on nesting beaches are sufficient to guarantee the survival of leatherback turtle populations.
What is meant by 'Pan-Atlantic migrations' in the context of leatherback turtles?
What is meant by 'Pan-Atlantic migrations' in the context of leatherback turtles?
The distribution of _________ productivity influences the migratory patterns and breeding intervals of marine predators like leatherback turtles.
The distribution of _________ productivity influences the migratory patterns and breeding intervals of marine predators like leatherback turtles.
Match the location with its significance for leatherback turtles:
Match the location with its significance for leatherback turtles:
Flashcards
Why monitor marine predators?
Why monitor marine predators?
Marine predators are considered indicators of oceanic change because shifts in their behavior and survival rates can reveal issues at an ecosystem level.
Challenger Expedition (1872-76)
Challenger Expedition (1872-76)
The Challenger Expedition (1872-1876) was a crucial event that marked the birth of modern marine science. It was the longest continuous oceanographic survey in history, covering over 111,000 km.
Leatherback Turtle Migration
Leatherback Turtle Migration
Leatherback turtles are observed in tropical nesting sites for breeding, and migrate to higher latitude foraging grounds in the summer and autumn.
Leatherback Threats
Leatherback Threats
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Ocean Sunfish Foraging
Ocean Sunfish Foraging
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Lévy Flight Pattern
Lévy Flight Pattern
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Marine Predator Fitness
Marine Predator Fitness
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Passive drifter
Passive drifter
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Basking Shark Feeding
Basking Shark Feeding
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Study Notes
Biodiversity and Seas Research
- Top predators are analyzed within the context of an ever-changing system
- This research is undertaken by Jonathan D.R. Houghton at Queen's University Belfast.
Three Key Themes
- The study focuses on the changing ocean.
- Predators and prey are examined as indicators of change.
- The study uses data gathered with the recent technological revolution at sea.
Modern Marine Science: The Challenger Expedition (1872-76)
- The Challenger Expedition marked the birth of modern marine science.
- It represents the longest continuous oceanographic survey in history, covering over 111,000 km over four years.
Drivers of Marine Science Post-Challenger Expedition
- The pursuit of wealth and sustenance from the oceans has been a key factor.
- Curiosity about evolution, diversity, functioning, and behaviour have also contributed to the marine science field.
Conservation and the Grand Banks Cod Fishery
- The collapse of the Grand Banks cod fishery signals a significant shift in the ocean’s ecosystems.
The Problem of Observing Changes
- Many ecological changes occur far from land, making them difficult to observe and study.
Stressors Compound Fisheries Pressure
- Additional stressors include pollution, climate change (warming seas and ocean acidification), and by-catch.
- Identifying and predicting change is critical but difficult.
Tackling Problems Requires Marine Biologists
- A team of marine biologists from various disciplines are needed to solve problems.
- It requires applying all types of science imaginable.
The Importance of Studying Top Marine Predators
- Marine predators serve as indicators of oceanic change.
- Shifts in their behaviour and survival rates can highlight ecosystem-level issues.
Advances in Recording Predator Behaviour
- Ability to record marine predators’ movements and behaviours has improved recently.
- Examples are leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), ocean sunfish (Mola mola), and basking sharks (Cetrohinus maximus).
Key Processes Underlying 'Fitness'
- Key is to find somewhere to live to maintain fitness
- Avoiding being eaten is an aspect of maintaining fitness
- Production viable offspring to maintain fitness
- Finding something to eat is related to maintaining fitness
- Being able to survive to sexual maturity is needed to maintain fitness
- Finding a suitable mate is also needed
Case Study 1: Leatherback Migrations
- Leatherback turtles exhibit pan-Atlantic migrations impacted by fisheries by-catch and climate change implications.
Leatherback Turtle Distribution
- Leatherbacks are seen in the summer and autumn in certain zones.
- Tropical nesting sites are key areas for the turtles.
Threats to Leatherback Turtles
- Recently emerged predators threaten their existence.
- Conservation efforts historically focused on nesting beaches.
- Current legislation cannot guarantee species survival.
- 'At-sea' mortality rates have been identified.
- There is a chance of foul hooking in any given year in the pacific
- Incubation is poorly understood in the Atlantic.
Focus on Post-Nesting Movements
- Research focuses on post-nesting movements of leatherback turtles.
- These turtles are found in Canada and the West Indies.
Factors in Breeding Intervals
- Differences in breeding intervals compound challenges.
Case Study 2: Ocean Sunfish
- Research into the movement and foraging ecology of ocean sunfish reveals surprising information.
Ocean Sunfish: Understudied Giants
- Ocean sunfish have received little scientific attention.
- They are relatives of puffer fish but grow into the largest bony fish, up to 2,000 kg and 4.1 m from nose to tail.
Sunfish Movement Patterns
- Sunfish are passive drifters with understudied ecological relevance.
Lévy Flight Search Pattern
- Mathematical mirror to animal nature
Oceanic Predator Challenges
- Prey is patchily distributed in space and time.
Searching Behavior and Ecosystem Change
- Analysis of searching behavior could serve as an indicator of ecosystem change.
Case Study 3: Basking Shark Foraging
- Research includes a look at foraging behaviour of basking sharks and the associated costs.
Recording Movements in 3D
- Acceleration data yields behavioural information and energy expenditure proxies.
- Gyroscope records body orientation.
- Depth, water temperature, light levels, and swim speed are recorded.
Methods of Data Collection
- Accelerometer and HD camera units are deployed and retrieved to collect data.
Feeding Events and Prey Density
- Data includes observations of gill slits being closed while traveling.
- Gill slits being open while the shark is feeding.
- Information about prey density.
Marine Biology Insights
- Technological advances provide insights into the lives of oceanic creatures.
Importance of Predator Studies
- Studying predator behaviour and survival helps identify environmental changes.
Obstacles to Change Solutions
- Identifying change in the oceans is only the start.
- Finding solutions to problems is much harder.
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