Lecture Flashcards
(147 cards)
1
Q
What is marine ecology?
A
Study of the home-life of the sea
2
Q
What are the Greek roots of the term ‘marine ecology’?
A
mar [‘the sea’] + oikos [‘house’] + logy [‘study’]
3
Q
What unique features characterize the Pacific coast of North America?
A
Rich variety of seashore life due to habitat variety, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, quiet bays, and estuaries
4
Q
What is upwelling?
A
Flow of cold water from depths to surface, driven by winds
5
Q
Name two major rivers that drain into the sea along the Pacific coast.
A
- Fraser
- Columbia
6
Q
What is the relationship between drainage and nutrient replenishment in coastal waters?
A
Drainage contributes nutrient-rich land-based materials that, along with upwelling, replenish nutrients in coastal waters
7
Q
What are characteristic organism assemblages?
A
Sets of organisms associated with each habitat type
8
Q
What are the two main biological interactions studied in marine ecology?
A
- Predation
- Competition
9
Q
What is the significance of biological interactions in ecosystems?
A
They have implications for energy flow and pollution
10
Q
What disciplines are related to marine biology and marine ecology?
A
Physical sciences, life sciences, applied biology, ecology/environmental science
11
Q
What is oceanography?
A
Overarching science of the oceans
12
Q
Who were some early contributors to marine science?
A
- Indigenous peoples
- Aristotle
- European explorers like Columbus and Cook
13
Q
What are the basic descriptive terms for marine environments?
A
- Benthos
- Pelagic
- Plankton
- Nekton
14
Q
Define ‘benthos’.
A
Organisms on or in the substrate
15
Q
What is the difference between phytoplankton and zooplankton?
A
- Phytoplankton: photosynthetic
- Zooplankton: heterotrophic
16
Q
What is the intertidal zone?
A
Area between high tide and low tide
17
Q
What is the term for the oceanic zone beyond the continental shelf?
A
Pelagic off-shore water
18
Q
What is the abyssal zone?
A
Deep, dark areas of the ocean
19
Q
What is salinity?
A
The total amount of solutes in seawater, expressed in parts per thousand (‰)
20
Q
How does temperature vary in the ocean?
A
Varies with latitude and water depth
21
Q
What is the thermocline?
A
Area of rapid temperature decline in the ocean
22
Q
What is the oxygen minimum zone?
A
Depth where respiration and decomposition exceed photosynthesis
23
Q
What is the importance of light penetration in marine environments?
A
Affects photosynthetic activity and visibility
24
Q
What happens to light wavelengths as they penetrate water?
A
- Red wavelengths: <10 m
- Green wavelengths: 30-50 m
- Blue wavelengths: >60 m
25
What is the impact of pressure with depth in the ocean?
1 atmosphere of pressure is added per 10 m depth
26
What drives ocean waves?
Wind
27
What causes tides in the ocean?
Gravitational pull of the moon and sun
28
Define estuary.
Freshwater-saltwater interface
29
What is the role of the substrate in intertidal habitats?
Determines habitat type and organism distribution
30
What are the five kingdoms of life?
* Monera
* Protista
* Fungi
* Plantae
* Animalia
31
What distinguishes the domain in biological classification?
Separates prokaryotes from eukaryotes
32
What are autotrophs?
Organisms that produce their own food, including photo- and chemo-autotrophic bacteria
33
What are heterotrophs?
Organisms that consume other organisms for energy
34
What are diatoms?
Planktonic and benthic organisms with silicon cell walls, important marine primary producers
35
What are harmful algal blooms (HABs)?
Rapid growth of algae that can produce toxins affecting marine life
36
What are the main types of marine algae?
* Chlorophyta (green)
* Phaeophyta (brown)
* Rhodophyta (red)
37
What is the structure of marine algae?
* Blade: main photosynthetic structure
* Stipe: supports blade
* Holdfast: anchors seaweed to substrate
38
What is the economic significance of marine algae?
Used in food, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture
39
What are kelps characterized by?
Characteristic pneumatocysts (floats)
## Footnote
Kelp are large brown algae that thrive in underwater forests.
40
What is the dominant life cycle pattern in algae?
Alternation of generations
## Footnote
This involves switching between haploid and diploid phases.
41
Name three common local species of kelps.
* Fucus
* Nereocystis
* Sargassum
## Footnote
These species are often found in high-latitude coastal regions.
42
What is the phylum containing red algae?
Phylum Rhodophyta
## Footnote
This phylum includes around 4000 species.
43
What pigments are found in red algae?
* Chlorophyll a
* Carotenoids
* Phycocyanin
* Phycoerythrin
## Footnote
These pigments contribute to the red coloration of the algae.
44
What type of life cycle do red algae exhibit?
Most complex life cycle with 3 generations
## Footnote
This complexity includes multiple life stages.
45
Name three common local species of red algae.
* Iridaea
* Gigartina
* Porphyra
## Footnote
These species are prevalent in various marine environments.
46
What is diatomaceous earth used for?
Horticulture
## Footnote
It is a natural product derived from diatoms.
47
What are some human uses of algae?
* Collection & mariculture of multicellular algae
* Food (e.g., nori, kombu)
* Agriculture (fertilizer)
* Feed supplements for livestock
* Emulsifiers (e.g., algin, carrageenan)
## Footnote
Algae have diverse applications in various industries.
48
What are seagrasses?
Only vascular plants that are fully marine
## Footnote
They play a crucial role in marine ecosystems.
49
Name a tropical seagrass species.
Turtlegrass, Thalassia
## Footnote
This species is especially found in the Caribbean.
50
What is the role of seagrasses in marine ecosystems?
* Nursery area for offshore species
* Detritus-based food chain
* Erosion prevention
## Footnote
They support a wide range of marine life and protect coastal areas.
51
What are salt marsh plants known as?
Halophytes
## Footnote
These plants can tolerate high salinity levels.
52
Name two common salt marsh plants.
* Cordgrass (Spartina)
* Pickleweed (Salicornia)
## Footnote
These plants help stabilize shorelines.
53
What are mangroves?
Tree-like plants found in tropical estuarine areas
## Footnote
They have important ecological functions similar to seagrasses.
54
What characterizes the phylum Porifera?
Pore-bearers with 9,000 species
## Footnote
They are known for their porous bodies.
55
What are the three body forms of sponges?
* Ascon
* Sycon
* Leucon
## Footnote
These forms differ in complexity and surface area.
56
What is the anatomy of Cnidaria based on?
Blind sac plan with radial symmetry
## Footnote
This includes polyp and medusa forms.
57
What are nematocysts?
Stinging cells bearing barbs
## Footnote
These cells are used for capturing prey.
58
What defines the phylum Ctenophora?
Comb-bearer with 100 species
## Footnote
They are known for their unique ciliary structures.
59
What is the main characteristic of Phylum Platyhelminthes?
Flat worms with bilateral symmetry
## Footnote
This includes both free-living and parasitic forms.
60
What are the three classes of Platyhelminthes?
* Cestoda (tapeworms)
* Trematoda (flukes)
* Turbellaria (free-living)
## Footnote
These classes are distinguished by their life cycles and habitats.
61
What is the first true tube-in-a-tube body plan found in?
Phylum Nemertea (ribbon worms)
## Footnote
They have a more developed nervous system than flatworms.
62
What is the anatomy of Phylum Annelida characterized by?
Tube-in-a-tube with partitioned bodies
## Footnote
Annelids are segmented worms.
63
Name two classes of Phylum Annelida.
* Oligochaete
* Polychaete
## Footnote
Oligochaetes have few bristles, while polychaetes have many.
64
What is the main feature of Phylum Mollusca?
Soft body, usually with a foot, gill, and siphon
## Footnote
Mollusks include a wide variety of marine animals.
65
What are the four classes of Phylum Mollusca?
* Polyplacophora
* Bivalvia
* Gastropoda
* Cephalopoda
## Footnote
Each class is defined by unique anatomical features.
66
What is the characteristic feature of Phylum Arthropoda?
Jointed legs with chitinous exoskeleton
## Footnote
This phylum includes a vast diversity of species.
67
What are the major classes within Subphylum Crustacea?
* Copepoda
* Cirripedia
* Amphipoda
* Isopoda
* Decapoda
## Footnote
These classes include many familiar marine organisms.
68
What is the anatomy of Phylum Echinodermata based on?
Pentamerous radial symmetry
## Footnote
They have a unique water vascular system.
69
What are the classes within Phylum Echinodermata?
* Asteroidea
* Ophiuroidea
* Echinoidea
* Holothuroidea
## Footnote
Each class represents different forms like sea stars and sea cucumbers.
70
What defines the phylum Chordata?
Bilateral tube-in-a-tube with notochord
## Footnote
They possess key features during at least part of their lifecycle.
71
Name the subphyla of Chordata.
* Cephalochordata
* Urochordata
* Vertebrata
## Footnote
Each subphylum contains distinct groups of animals.
72
What is the role of nekton in marine environments?
Primarily vertebrates that are mobile despite currents
## Footnote
They include larger marine species.
73
What are some adaptations of fishes in marine environments?
* Various feeding strategies
* Specialized gills for oxygen
* Lightweight skeletons
## Footnote
These adaptations help them thrive in aquatic ecosystems.
74
What are the three orders included in Sirenia?
manatees, dugongs, sea cows
## Footnote
Sirenia is a group of marine mammals known for their herbivorous diet.
75
Which animals are classified under the order Carnivora?
sea otters, polar bears
## Footnote
Carnivora includes both terrestrial and marine species known for their carnivorous diets.
76
What are nekton?
primarily vertebrates, mobile in spite of currents, often pelagic
## Footnote
Nekton refers to aquatic animals that can swim freely and are not easily influenced by water currents.
77
What is a key problem faced by nekton?
specialization
## Footnote
Specialization in nekton involves adaptations to specific environments and lifestyles.
78
List some adaptations that fishes have.
* food: herbivores, carnivores, scavengers
* oxygen: gills specialized for obtaining O2
* support: light skeletons, sharks with fatty livers, bony fish with swim bladders
* swimming: coastal vs. reef vs. open ocean
* territoriality/migration: related to food, breeding
* reproduction: planktonic larvae, brooded young, live birth, sex changes
* protection: cryptic color, countershading
* schooling: lateral line, vision, smell important
## Footnote
These adaptations allow fishes to thrive in various marine environments.
79
What are tetrapods and their unique adaptations?
adaptations unique to air-breathers
## Footnote
Tetrapods are four-limbed animals that have evolved to live both in water and on land.
80
What is the function of lungs in tetrapods?
oxygen acquisition in an airless environment
## Footnote
Lungs allow tetrapods to extract oxygen from the air, crucial for survival outside of water.
81
What distinguishes poikilotherms from homeotherms?
poikilotherms have limited physiological control over body temperature, while homeotherms maintain a constant temperature
## Footnote
Poikilotherms include reptiles, while homeotherms include birds and mammals.
82
What are the four levels of ecology?
* individual
* population
* community
* ecosystem
## Footnote
These levels help in understanding the complexity of interactions in the marine environment.
83
Define the term 'fundamental niche'.
the sum total of abiotic factors determines the area in which the organism can survive and reproduce
## Footnote
The fundamental niche represents the potential range of conditions and resources available to a species.
84
What is a realized niche?
the part of the fundamental niche actually occupied by the species
## Footnote
The realized niche is often shaped by biotic factors like competition or predation.
85
What is intraspecific competition?
competition between members of the same species for resources
## Footnote
Intraspecific interactions can significantly affect population dynamics.
86
What are the three types of community interactions?
* competition
* predation
* symbiosis
## Footnote
These interactions can influence community structure and species diversity.
87
What is mutualism?
a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit
## Footnote
An example includes the relationship between anemones and zooxanthellae.
88
Define predation.
organisms eating or living on all or part of other living organisms at different trophic levels
## Footnote
Predation can include herbivores, carnivores, and parasitism.
89
What is energy flow in an ecosystem?
light à organic matter à food chains à detritus
## Footnote
Understanding energy flow is crucial for studying ecosystem dynamics.
90
What are the primary producers in marine ecosystems?
phytoplankton
## Footnote
Phytoplankton are essential for primary production and form the base of the marine food web.
91
What factors affect primary production by phytoplankton?
* light availability
* nutrients (N, P, and others)
## Footnote
Adequate light and nutrient levels are critical for successful photosynthesis.
92
What is the carbon cycle?
inorganic carbon transforms to organic carbon, CO2 in atmosphere incorporated into sugars via photosynthesis
## Footnote
The carbon cycle is essential for energy flow in marine ecosystems.
93
What are the types of sedimentary environments in marine ecosystems?
* rocky substrates
* soft substrates
## Footnote
Each type of substrate presents unique challenges and adaptations for marine organisms.
94
What is the role of detritus in soft substrate communities?
provides organic matter and nutrients for various organisms
## Footnote
Detritus is crucial for maintaining the food web in soft sediment habitats.
95
Define trophic mutualism.
a relationship where all trophic groups benefit
## Footnote
Trophic mutualism enhances community interactions and resource utilization.
96
What happens to settled larvae in a deposit-feeder dominated area?
New larvae are excluded and deposit-feeders end up dominating the area
97
What is trophic commensalism?
At least one trophic group benefits
98
How do filter-feeding polychaete tube worms contribute to sediment stability?
Their tubes create a mat on the surface, increasing sediment stability
99
What is trophic mutualism?
All trophic groups benefit
100
How do sea cucumbers affect sediment flow?
They build large cones, causing sediment-fecal mix to create surface flow to 'valleys'
101
What is bioturbation?
'Farming' by deposit-feeders through ingestion and egestion of sediment grains to digest microbes
102
What are the effects of bioturbation on sediment?
* Increases sediment water exchange in interstices
* Increases microbial growth
* Increases food availability for deposit-feeders
103
What is the mechanism of bioturbation?
Particles are selected, manipulated, broken up, ingested, and microbes are digested in the gut
104
What is the significance of fecal pellets produced by deposit-feeders?
They serve as a recolonization site for bacteria and enhance organic richness
105
What characterizes the rocky intertidal community?
It's the best-studied marine habitat with relatively easy access for fieldwork
106
What is zonation in the rocky intertidal?
Occurrence of dominant organisms in distinct vertical bands
107
Name some areas of zonation in the rocky intertidal.
* Black fungal/plant (lichen) area
* Periwinkle (Littorina) area
* Barnacle (Balanus/Chthamalus) area
* Rockweed (Fucus) & mussel (Mytilus) area
* Various seaweeds or seagrasses area
108
What factors influence variations in littoral zonation?
* Local interspecies interactions
* Tidal fluctuations
* Amount of wave exposure
* Local topography and geology
109
What sets the upper limits of zonation?
Upper limits are set by physical (abiotic) factors
110
What sets the lower limits of zonation?
Lower limits are set by biotic factors (interactions)
111
What is the critical exposure level related to tidal levels?
Exposure to air leading to desiccation and temperature stress on organisms
112
What behavior do invertebrates exhibit in response to physical cues?
They settle based on chemical and tactile cues
113
What is the significance of gregarious settlement patterns?
Species like Balanus crenatus and B. glandula settle in response to successful adult survival indicators
114
How does light affect zonation?
It influences settlement and survival of various algal species and behavior in mobile species
115
What role does competition play in zonation?
It can determine the vertical distribution of species like B. balanoides and C. stellatus
116
What is a keystone predator?
A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance
117
What is the typical marine pattern of succession?
Bare rock → bacterial/algal/diatom film → seaweeds → barnacles → mussels
118
What are the ecological services provided by estuarine areas?
* Water filtration
* Rearing area for human food species
* CO2 removal from atmosphere
* Catastrophe protection/buffer
119
What is the difference between euryhaline and stenohaline species?
Euryhaline species tolerate a wide range of salinity; stenohaline species tolerate a narrow range
120
What are the two types of osmoregulators?
* Osmoconformers: allow body fluid fluctuation
* Osmoregulators: keep body fluids stable
121
What percentage of the deep sea has been explored?
Less than one-tenth of one percent
122
What is the role of chemosynthesis in deep sea communities?
Chemosynthetic bacteria form the basis of the food chain in hydrothermal vent communities
123
What are hydrothermal vent communities?
Rich communities supported by chemosynthetic archaea/bacteria, thriving in areas of geothermal energy
124
What are some human impacts on marine ecosystems?
* Overfishing
* Aquaculture
* Coastal development
* Pollution
125
What is the maximum sustainable yield concept in fisheries management?
The largest yield or catch that can be taken from a specific fish stock over an indefinite period under constant environmental conditions
126
What is by-catch?
The unintended catch of non-target species during fishing
127
What is the problem of by-catch in fishing?
1/3 of catch wasted due to unintended species caught
## Footnote
Examples include tuna caught with dolphins using purse seine nets and various mammals, birds, and reptiles caught with drift gill nets.
128
What is aquaculture?
Cultivation of seafood species
## Footnote
Also referred to as mariculture.
129
What are two forces driving mariculture development?
* Increasing human demands for protein
* Plateau in terrestrial agricultural production
130
What are the pros of aquaculture?
* More manageable than hunter-gatherer
* Economically more stable as an industry
131
What are the cons of aquaculture?
* Potential pollution if not well-managed
* Potential to harm wild stocks; invasives
* Not suitable for many species
132
What percentage of human food is produced terrestrially?
98%
133
What are some effects of land clearing and cultivation?
* Hydrologic cycle (irrigation)
* Sedimentation (soil erosion)
* Potential pollutants (fossil fuel intensive, intensive agrochemical use)
134
What are examples of intensive agrochemical use?
* Pesticides (e.g. DDT)
* Fertilizer (N and P)
135
What are positive management factors in agriculture?
* Traditional, low impact farming increases habitat
* Agricultural land use has less impact on watersheds than pavement and urbanization
136
What is a key principle for sustainable agriculture?
A Biblical framework of stewardship on land and sea
137
What are some direct marine industries?
* Recreation/tourism
* Aquarium and curio trade
* Pharmaceutical industry
* Mining and drilling
* Other resources (energy & freshwater)
* Shipping
* Military activities
138
What are some impacts of recreation and tourism on marine environments?
* Habitat disturbance
* Destruction from water sports and boating
* Intense impacts from cruise ships and resort developments
139
What are some consequences of the aquarium and curio trade?
* Intense collecting, especially in the Indo-Pacific
* Use of dynamite and chemicals for collection
140
What are examples of pharmaceuticals derived from marine species?
* Anti-cancer drugs (e.g. bryostatin from Bugula bryozoans)
* Painkillers (e.g. tetrodotoxin from pufferfish)
141
What are the environmental impacts of mining and drilling?
* Destruction of seabed
* Pollution from extraction of minerals and fossil fuels
142
What are some problems associated with shipping?
* Pollution (oil, plastics, sewage)
* Topographic alteration (dredging, breakwaters)
* Ballast water containing invasives
143
What are the impacts of land-based activities on marine environments?
* Removal of vegetation
* Increased impervious surfaces
* Filling of wetlands and estuaries
* Pollution from runoff
144
What are the contents of unfiltered runoff?
* Automotive drips
* Detergents
* Pesticides
* Fertilizers
* Solvents
* Sediment and organic debris
145
What are some pollution sources from industry and human activities?
* N and P from sewage, agriculture
* Toxics and heavy metals
* Dioxins from pulp and paper mills
* PCBs
* Oil/gas, radioactive waste, plastic debris
146
What are some conservation strategies for marine resources?
* Careful use to minimize alteration of hydrology
* Restrict access or 'take' in certain areas
* Inventory existing resources for baseline data
* Restoration of functional systems
147
What does the Biblical stewardship principle include?
Be disciples of Christ, serve and keep Creation, provide for its Sabbath rests, preserve its fruitfulness, seek first the Kingdom of God
