MARS 294 Introduction to Marine Biology Dr. Ron KaufmannDr. Ron Kaufmann Shiley Center 274 (x5904)Shiley Center 274 (x5904) Office Hrs: Mo 1:30-3:00 Th 2:30-4:30 Fr 12:30-2:00

I. I.What is Marine Biology? Biology of organisms inhabiting the ocean Marine biologists study different things at different levels Molecules  Ecosystems Related to oceanography, particularly biological oceanography Coastal vs. Open Ocean Shallow vs. Deep Water Perspective: Organismal vs. Environmental Studying marine organisms requires understanding of Principles of evolution (esp. natural selection) Physical/chemical environment and interactions

II. II.Ecology “Ecology” from Greek “Oikos” (house) Interactions among groups of organisms and between organisms and physical environment Includes abiotic and biotic components Physical Chemical Biological Habitat – Location where organisms live Unique combination of characteristics Microhabitat

III. III.Physical Environment Ocean: ~71% of earth’s surface area Largest volume of habitat on earth Average depth ~3700 m Marine habitat differs from terrestrial habitat in important ways Three-dimensional TerrestrialMarine Air typically not a permanent habitat Entire ocean available as potential habitat No real equivalent to aquatic plankton Many species planktonic, some holoplankton

III. III.Physical Environment A. A.Sunlight Quantity and quality related to physical characteristics of water Intensity decreases with depth Maximum penetration ~1000 m Light penetration affects Photosynthesis Vision Behavior Spectral attenuation

oceanexplorer.noaa.gov

III. III.Physical Environment B. B.Temperature Varies predictably with latitude, depth Consistent within a region and time period Exception: intertidal areas

Fig. 4-10

III. III.Physical Environment B. B.Temperature Varies predictably with latitude, depth Consistent within a region and time period Exception: intertidal areas Affects thermoregulation Most marine organisms are ectotherms Some animals are endotherms Adaptations to retain heat Affects species distributions Polar Cold temperate Subtropical (warm temperate) Tropical