Marine Ecology Terminology Information to incorporate in your foldable

Marine Ecology Defined The science that studies how organisms relate to each other and their aquatic environment The science that studies how organisms relate to each other and their aquatic environment Also studies the relationships and interactions of abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) aspects of the environment Also studies the relationships and interactions of abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) aspects of the environment

Biotic Factors Quantity and type of organisms in an environment Quantity and type of organisms in an environment

Abiotic Factors Temperature Temperature Wind Wind pH pH Currents Currents Minerals Minerals Sunlight Sunlight

What is an ecosystem? A distinct entity usually with clearly defined physical boundaries, distinct abiotic conditions, an energy source, and a community of interacting organisms through which energy is tranferred A distinct entity usually with clearly defined physical boundaries, distinct abiotic conditions, an energy source, and a community of interacting organisms through which energy is tranferred Examples Examples Coral reefs, deep-sea vent communitiesCoral reefs, deep-sea vent communities

What is a community? A collection of different organisms living and interacting in an ecosystem A collection of different organisms living and interacting in an ecosystem Can include populations of the same species that do not interbreed Can include populations of the same species that do not interbreed

What is a population? A group of the same species living and interacting within a community. A group of the same species living and interacting within a community.

What is a habitat? Includes the area and conditions in which you find an organism Includes the area and conditions in which you find an organism Microhabitats exist on a very small scale Microhabitats exist on a very small scale Where an organisms lives Where an organisms lives

What is a niche? An organism’s role in its habitat An organism’s role in its habitat An organism’s job An organism’s job

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