109 Flashcards
(178 cards)
1
Q
What are the three elements of oceanography?
A
Biology, Chemistry, Physics
2
Q
What percentage of Earth is underwater?
A
70%
3
Q
What is the depth of the ocean in relation to Earth’s surface?
A
60% deeper than 1.5km
4
Q
What role does the ocean play in global carbon sequestration?
A
Responsible for 50% of global carbon sequestration
5
Q
Who is considered the founder of oceanography?
A
Edward Forbes
6
Q
What was the result of the Challenger Expedition?
A
Collected samples analyzed by 76 scientists over 19 years, resulting in 50 volumes and 4500 new species
7
Q
What are the basic classifications of life in marine biology?
A
Plants, Animals, Other (e.g., bacteria, protists)
8
Q
What are the two domains of life?
A
Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes
9
Q
What distinguishes prokaryotes from eukaryotes?
A
Prokaryotes: no cell nucleus, simpler; Eukaryotes: membrane-bound nucleus and organelles
10
Q
What are stromatolites?
A
Oldest recorded life produced by cyanobacteria
11
Q
What is the universal classification scheme in taxonomy?
A
Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species
12
Q
What is the equation for photosynthesis?
A
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
13
Q
What is the role of photosynthetic pigments?
A
Determine which light wavelengths they are sensitive to
14
Q
What types of plants are included in marine vascular plants?
A
Saltmarsh plants, mangroves, some ferns, and seagrasses
15
Q
What are halophytes?
A
Salt-tolerant plants found in saltmarshes
16
Q
What is the ecological role of seagrasses?
A
Provide food, shelter, and substrate in coastal environments
17
Q
What is the significance of kelp in coastal ecosystems?
A
Important part of coastal ecosystems
18
Q
What percentage of all animals are invertebrates?
A
95%
19
Q
What are the general characteristics of Phylum Porifera?
A
Filter feeders, sessile, multicellular with specialized cells
20
Q
What type of symmetry do Cnidarians exhibit?
A
Radial symmetry
21
Q
What is mutualism in corals and Symbiodinium?
A
Corals get nutrients from algae, and algae benefit from the protective habitat provided by corals
22
Q
What are the main classes of Phylum Mollusca?
A
Polyplacophora, Gastropoda, Cephalopoda, Bivalvia
23
Q
What is a key feature of Echinoderms?
A
Internal skeleton made of dermal calcareous ossicles
24
Q
What is the water vascular system in Echinoderms used for?
A
Powers tube feet for locomotion, feeding, and gas exchange
25
What are the characteristics of Asteroidea?
Usually have five arms, feed by everting stomach onto prey
26
What is Aristotle's Lantern?
A complex feeding structure in Echinoidea
27
True or False: All echinoderms are strictly marine.
True
28
What are pedicellariae?
Structures found around the base of spines in certain marine organisms
## Footnote
They serve a variety of functions including defense and cleaning.
29
What is the function of tube feet?
Used for movement and feeding
## Footnote
Tube feet are part of the water vascular system in echinoderms.
30
What are papulae and madreporite?
Papulae are skin gills; madreporite is a calcareous disk
## Footnote
Both structures are present in echinoderms.
31
How do echinoids (sea urchins) feed?
By everting their stomach onto prey
## Footnote
This allows them to digest food externally.
32
What is the body structure of Echinoidea?
Enclosed in an endoskeletal test
## Footnote
They lack arms and have closed ambulacral grooves.
33
What is Aristotle's Lantern?
A complex feeding structure in echinoids
## Footnote
It is used to scrape algae off surfaces.
34
What are the key features of Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers)?
Reduced ossicles, elongated body, and five rows of tube feet
## Footnote
They can expel internal organs as a defense mechanism.
35
What characterizes Ophiuroidea (brittle stars)?
Distinct long arms surrounding a central disc
## Footnote
Their tube feet lack suckers and they move by arm movement.
36
How do Crinoidea (sea lilies) feed?
Filter feeding using pinnules
## Footnote
Pinnules are feathery branches of arms.
37
What do vertebrates share with tunicates?
A common ancestor with a rudimentary spinal cord or notochord
## Footnote
This marks the origins of vertebrate evolution.
38
What are Agnatha?
Jawless fish, including hagfish and lampreys
## Footnote
Hagfish have a rudimentary skull; lampreys can be parasitic.
39
What evolutionary development occurred around 430 million years ago?
The evolution of jaws from gill slit skeletal rods
## Footnote
This marks the transition to Gnathostoma (jawed fish).
40
What are the characteristics of Chondrichthyes?
Cartilaginous fish including sharks and rays
## Footnote
They have no swim bladder and reproduce via internal fertilization.
41
What differentiates bony fish (Osteichthyes) from cartilaginous fish?
Bony fish have an ossified skeleton and swim bladder
## Footnote
They include both lobe-finned and ray-finned fish.
42
What are the two groups of bony fish?
Lobe-finned and Ray-finned fish
## Footnote
Ray-finned fish comprise 99% of fish species.
43
What is the significance of Great White Sharks?
World's largest predatory fish with around 300 teeth
## Footnote
Known for their powerful swimming and feeding habits.
44
What is unique about male seahorses?
They have a true reversed pregnancy
## Footnote
They carry the eggs laid by females.
45
What are the main levels of taxonomic classification?
Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species
## Footnote
This hierarchical system categorizes living organisms.
46
What is the scientific name format?
Genus + species
## Footnote
Genus is capitalized, species is not, and both are italicized.
47
What are the two types of plankton?
Phytoplankton and Zooplankton
## Footnote
Phytoplankton are photosynthetic; zooplankton are non-photosynthetic.
48
What are holoplankton and meroplankton?
Holoplankton spend their entire life cycle as plankton; meroplankton spend part of their life cycle as plankton
## Footnote
Examples include larvae and adult forms.
49
What is marine snow?
Organic matter that sinks through the water column
## Footnote
It contributes to nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems.
50
What is the role of the microbial loop?
Interaction between microbes that plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling
## Footnote
It involves bacteria, phytoplankton, and zooplankton.
51
What adaptations do marine mammals have for breathing?
Some species can dive to extreme depths and hold their breath for long periods
## Footnote
Examples include beaked whales and sperm whales.
52
What differentiates pinnipeds from otariids?
Pinnipeds (true seals) have no external ears and cannot walk on land
## Footnote
Otariids (sea lions) have external ears and can walk on land.
53
What is unique about polar bears?
They are insulated by blubber and fur and are apex predators of seals
## Footnote
They are highly affected by climate change.
54
What are the characteristics of baleen whales?
They filter food through baleen plates instead of teeth
## Footnote
Baleen whales include species like blue whales and humpback whales.
55
What are the major orders of seabirds?
Procellariiformes, Pelicaniformes, Charadriformes, Sphenisciformes
## Footnote
Each order has distinct feeding habits and adaptations.
56
What adaptations do seabirds have for flight?
Pneumatic bones, feathers, and specialized salt glands
## Footnote
These adaptations aid in flight efficiency and managing seawater intake.
57
What is the significance of arribadas?
Unique nesting behavior where turtles nest in large groups
## Footnote
This reduces predation risks for hatchlings.
58
What is the common name for the Beluga Whale?
Sea canary
## Footnote
Known for its vocalizations.
59
What adaptations do marine mammals exhibit for survival?
Intricate communication systems and specialized feeding techniques.
60
What defines a Rocky Reef?
A unique environment found in the intertidal and subtidal zones.
61
What are the two main conditions organisms experience on the rocky shore?
Immersion and emersion.
62
What are the key characteristics of the Rocky Shore environment?
Fluctuating conditions, productive microhabitats, and plenty of sunlight.
63
What supports gas exchange for organisms in rocky shores?
Water movement.
64
What are some examples of macroalgae found in rocky shores?
* Green algae
* Red algae
* Brown algae
65
What pigment causes brown algae to appear brown?
Fucoxanthin.
66
What types of organisms dominate rocky shore invertebrates?
Sessile or slow-moving organisms.
67
What is meroplankton?
Organisms that spend part of their life cycle as plankton.
68
What are the two types of grazing animals mentioned in the rocky shore ecosystem?
* Echinus esculentus (Urchin)
* Littorina saxatilis (Winkles)
69
What is a key feature of saltmarshes?
Dominated by halophyte plants.
70
What adaptations do saltmarsh plants have for high salinity?
Store water and excrete salt.
71
What role do diatoms play in mudflats?
Act as primary producers.
72
What are the stages of ecological succession in sand dunes?
* Embryo dunes
* Yellow dunes
* Grey dunes
73
What is the economic value of coastal habitats in the UK?
£48 billion.
74
What is a major threat to coastal habitats leading to 'coastal squeeze'?
Urbanization and land reclamation.
75
What type of trees are found in mangrove ecosystems?
Woody plants adapted to intertidal life.
76
What is viviparity in mangroves?
Germination on the parent tree.
77
What are the primary reproductive methods of seagrasses?
* Sexual reproduction
* Asexual reproduction
78
What is the estimated global extent of seagrass beds?
600,000 to 1,600,000 km².
79
What is the carbon sequestration efficiency of seagrasses compared to land forests?
Up to 40 times more efficient.
80
What is the primary threat to seagrasses?
Coastal development and water pollution.
81
What are the habitat requirements for coral growth?
* Warm water
* Clear water
* Shallow water
* Stable sea levels
82
What are the three types of coral reefs?
* Fringing reef
* Barrier reef
* Atoll
83
What is Darwin's Hypothesis of Atoll Formation?
Atolls form when a fringing reef surrounds a sinking volcanic island.
84
What is the scientific classification of corals?
* Kingdom: Animalia
* Phylum: Cnidaria
* Class: Anthozoa
* Order: Scleractinia
85
What is the primary structure of coral reefs?
Made of coral and algae.
86
What are the growth agents for coral reefs?
* Fast-growing coral species
* Coralline algae
* Sponges
* Clam shells
87
What are the main components of coral reefs?
Coral and algae (biogenic 'bricks')
## Footnote
These components contribute to the structure and growth of the reef.
88
How long have current coral reefs been growing?
Approximately 8,000 years since the last ice age.
89
What is the role of fast-growing coral species in reef building?
Fast-growing coral species (e.g., Acropora) are cemented by coralline algae (e.g., Lithothamnion), sponges, clam shells, and massive corals.
90
Which type of corals are known for their fast growth and plasticity?
Branching corals (e.g., Acropora spp.).
91
How do massive corals differ from branching corals?
Massive corals (e.g., Porites spp.) are slower-growing but more robust and resistant to storm damage.
92
What is the significance of asexual reproduction in corals?
It is important for maintaining reef structure and biomass, helping to rapidly exploit space and repair storm damage.
93
How does sexual reproduction occur in corals?
Broadcast spawning synchronized with water temperature and moon phases, occurring at night to reduce predation.
94
What is the life cycle of Hydrozoans?
Polyp → Medusa → Larva → Polyp.
95
What is the life cycle of Anthozoans?
Polyp → Larva → Polyp.
96
What role do grazers play in coral reef communities?
Grazers are key to maintaining balance in reef ecosystems.
97
What is the southernmost limit for reef-building corals marked by?
The 20°C isotherm.
98
What is the average ocean depth?
Approximately 3,700 meters.
99
Which ocean has the deepest point and what is it called?
Pacific Ocean; deepest point is the Marianas Trench (-11,924m).
100
What is the significance of the continental shelf?
Accounts for ~7% of ocean area and is highly productive, vital for fisheries (90% of global fish production).
101
What characterizes the euphotic zone?
Warmest, best-lit region of the ocean, supporting photosynthesis and high biodiversity.
102
What is the Diel Vertical Migration (DVM)?
The largest animal migration on Earth, with daily upward and downward movement of organisms.
103
What defines the deep sea?
Perpetually dark waters below the mesopelagic zone (~1000m), characterized by low oxygen levels, no light, high pressure, and low temperatures.
104
What is marine snow?
Organic matter, including dead organisms and excretions, that falls from the upper layers to the deep sea.
105
What are neuston and pleuston?
Neuston: Organisms living at the water surface but submerged; Pleuston: Organisms with part of their body above the water surface.
106
What are hydrothermal vents associated with?
Sea-floor spreading at mid-ocean ridges, releasing superheated water and high concentrations of sulphides.
107
What is significant about Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW)?
It is the most widespread water mass, forming in polynyas and playing a role in ocean oxygenation.
108
What defines biodiversity according to the Convention on Biological Diversity?
Variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and aquatic ecosystems.
109
What are the three levels of biodiversity?
* Genetic Diversity
* Organismal Diversity
* Ecological Diversity
110
What is species richness?
A common 'currency' for measuring biodiversity, providing insights into overall biodiversity in various ecosystems.
111
What is the potential of environmental DNA (eDNA)?
To revolutionize biodiversity science and conservation by enabling global species census in near real-time.
112
What are the common definitions of a species?
* Morphological Species
* Biological Species
* Evolutionary Species
113
How many species are estimated to exist on Earth?
Around 13.62 million species.
114
What percentage of plant species are angiosperms?
75%.
115
Who developed the hierarchical classification system?
Carl Linnaeus.
116
What are the main groups of plant species?
Angiosperms (flowering plants)
## Footnote
Angiosperms represent the largest group of plants, characterized by flowers and seeds enclosed within a fruit.
117
Which mammal species are most prevalent?
Rodents
## Footnote
Rodents make up a significant portion of mammalian diversity.
118
What classification system did Aristotle develop?
Great chain of being
## Footnote
This system organized life from non-sanguineous (without blood) to sanguineous (with blood).
119
Who is known for introducing hierarchical classification?
Carl Linnaeus
## Footnote
Linnaeus's classification includes Kingdom, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
120
What major classification shift occurred in the 1960s?
Whittaker's 5 Kingdom Approach
## Footnote
This approach emphasized macroscopic life and major biological features.
121
What are the three domains of life introduced by Woese?
Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya
## Footnote
Woese's classification was based on molecular data (DNA/RNA).
122
How is the Tree of Life often depicted?
As a bush rather than a tree
## Footnote
This representation illustrates the complex interrelations and evolutionary connections between species.
123
Approximately how many species exist today?
13.6 million species
## Footnote
Only about 1.75 million of these species have been formally described.
124
What is the Morphological Species Concept?
The most commonly used species definition
## Footnote
This definition is still debated within the scientific community.
125
What does the species-area relationship state?
As geographical area increases, the number of species increases
## Footnote
This principle is crucial for understanding modern extinctions.
126
What factors influence biodiversity distribution?
Latitude, elevation, and depth
## Footnote
These gradients can lead to changes in species richness across regions.
127
What is endemism?
Species that occur in only one specific area
## Footnote
Areas with high species richness tend to have more endemic species.
128
Which regions are known for high biodiversity in terrestrial systems?
Neotropics
## Footnote
Tropical regions account for more than two-thirds of global biodiversity.
129
What is the significance of the Cambrian Explosion?
Appearance of major animal groups with hard parts
## Footnote
This event marked a sudden rise in biodiversity around 550 million years ago.
130
What characterized the Anthropocene epoch?
Human influence and biodiversity decline
## Footnote
This epoch began around the 1950s.
131
What is the estimated cost of ecosystem services?
$33 trillion
## Footnote
This estimate is higher than the global annual GNP of $17 trillion.
132
What is the difference between direct and indirect use value of biodiversity?
Direct use involves consumable resources; indirect use includes ecosystem services
## Footnote
Both types of value are essential for human well-being.
133
What is the intrinsic value of biodiversity?
The inherent worth of organisms, regardless of their use
## Footnote
This includes moral responsibilities to protect biodiversity.
134
What is the role of biodiversity in ecosystem resilience?
Enhances ecosystem functions and reliability
## Footnote
Diverse species contribute to the stability of ecological systems.
135
What is the significance of the Ediacaran Period?
Home to some of the earliest known animals like Charnia masoni
## Footnote
This period dates back 600-550 million years ago.
136
What major events occurred during the Mesozoic Era?
Rise of dinosaurs and marine predators
## Footnote
The Cretaceous period ended with mass extinction events.
137
What does the term 'mass extinction' refer to?
A significant and rapid loss of biodiversity
## Footnote
The current period is often referred to as the sixth extinction.
138
What types of species are primarily found in marine environments?
Benthic species
## Footnote
Most marine species live on or near the sea floor.
139
What is the relationship between biodiversity and climate?
Biodiversity contributes to climatic regulation
## Footnote
Ecosystems help maintain and regulate climate conditions.
140
What is the value of ecotourism related to biodiversity?
$77 billion annually
## Footnote
Ecotourism constitutes a significant portion of the travel market.
141
What does the Convention on Biological Diversity emphasize?
Sustainability for current and future generations
## Footnote
The Convention aims to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable use of its components.
142
What is intrinsic value in the context of biodiversity?
The inherent worth of organisms, irrespective of their use.
143
Define existence value in biodiversity.
The value of knowing species exist, regardless of human interaction.
144
What is the moral responsibility regarding biodiversity?
Humanity's ethical duty to protect biodiversity.
145
What is meant by direct value in biodiversity?
Includes food, medicine, industrial products, and recreational harvesting.
146
What encompasses indirect value in biodiversity?
Ecosystem services essential for sustaining life.
147
What are the components of non-use value in biodiversity?
Includes option, bequest, and intrinsic value.
148
What has marked the decline in biodiversity since the late Quaternary?
Human activity, both direct and indirect.
149
List the principal causes of extinction.
* Overexploitation
* Habitat loss/degradation
* Introduced species
* Extinction cascades
150
What are the ultimate causes of extinction?
* Size of human population
* Growth in human population
* Scale of human enterprise
151
What historical event coincides with the disappearance of megafauna?
The arrival of humans.
152
What does the 'March of man' theory suggest?
Human migration correlated with extinctions.
153
What is the criteria for a species to be considered extinct?
Exhaustive surveys in expected habitats reveal no individuals.
154
What type of bias exists in recorded extinctions?
Focus on higher plants, birds, mammals, and species in islands.
155
What is extinction debt?
Species are effectively extinct but may not yet show signs.
156
What is bush meat and its impact?
9.6-23.5 million reptiles, birds, and mammals hunted annually in the Brazilian Amazon.
157
What percentage of the global population relies on fuelwood?
Over 1/3.
158
What has caused collapses in marine fisheries, such as the Peruvian anchoveta fishery?
Overfishing.
159
What are the broader impacts of marine fisheries?
* Reorganization of species structure
* Incidental capture of other species
* Habitat destruction
160
What is the status of human disturbance in biomes?
Present in every biome, particularly temperate broadleaf and evergreen forests.
161
What ecological issue arises from introduced species?
Causes ecological disruptions.
162
Give an example of an invasive species and its impact.
Nile perch in East Africa led to the extinction of endemic fish.
163
What are extinction cascades?
One species' extinction can trigger the extinction of others due to interdependencies.
164
What has been the human population growth as of 2022?
7.93 billion.
165
What percentage of terrestrial primary production is consumed by humans?
35-40%.
166
What is the scale of global subsidies for fossil fuels?
$4.9 trillion.
167
What does the Convention on Biological Diversity include?
42 articles focused on conservation, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits.
168
What are the objectives of the CBD as stated in Article 1?
* Conservation of Biological Diversity
* Sustainable Use of Its Components
* Equitable Sharing of Benefits
169
What is a significant issue regarding equitable sharing of benefits?
Exploitation of biodiversity in developing nations by developed ones.
170
What is the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan (1994)?
Restructuring societies towards sustainability.
171
What are the challenges faced by protected areas?
* Small size
* Bias towards low economic value
* Many are ineffective ('paper parks')
172
What is the focus of Article 8 regarding in-situ conservation?
Protected areas and their challenges.
173
What are the ethical concerns surrounding ex-situ conservation?
Reliance on captivity and its long-term impact.
174
What does Article 10 advocate for?
Sustainable use of components.
175
What did the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) report?
Two-thirds of the world's ecosystems have been degraded.
176
What was the goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?
Introduce 17 SDGs, emphasizing biodiversity conservation.
177
What new targets were set by the COP15 (2022) Montreal Agreement?
* Protecting 30% of land and oceans by 2030
* Cutting harmful subsidies by $500 billion annually.
178
What are the main challenges for the CBD?
* Implementation
* Equitable funding
* Balancing conservation and economic development.
