Ecosystems
Name one abiotic factor that you may find in an ecosystem.
Temperature, light, water, salinity, soil, or air.
What does the prefix "a-" in abiotic mean?
The prefix "a-" means "not" or "without."
Give an example of a biotic factor.
A plant, animal, fungi, archaea, protists, or bacterium is an example of a biotic factor.
What is Oceanography?
Oceanography is the study of the ocean, including marine life, geology, ocean circulation, chemical/physical properties, and ecosystems.
List one Marine Ecosystem
Coral reef, mangrove forest, deep ocean, open ocean, saltwater marsh, rocky shores, polar sea, kelp forest.
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
What does the greek word "biotikos" mean?
This is a Greek word meaning "pertaining to life". It is derived from "bios", which means "life".
Why are biotic factors important in an ecosystem?
Biotic factors are necessary for nutrient cycling and food chains.
What technology is most commonly used to map seafloor depths?
Sonar is used to map seafloor depths.
What marine ecosystem is the most difficult to access as human beings?
The Deep Sea
What are the biotic factors in an ecosystem?
Biotic factors are living components like plants, animals, and bacteria that interact with each other.
Define abiotic factors.
Abiotic factors are non-living chemical and physical parts of an environment.
Name three biotic factors found in a coral reef ecosystem.
Corals, fish, and sea turtles are biotic factors in a coral reef ecosystem
What is the deepest point in the ocean called?
The deepest point in the ocean is called the Challenger Deep, within the Mariana Trench.
Which marine ecosystem is a colony of animals that provide homes and food for other marine species?
Coral Reefs
How do abiotic factors influence ecosystems?
Abiotic factors affect the survival and distribution of organisms.
How does temperature affect marine ecosystems?
Temperature influences the types of species that can survive in different areas.
How do biotic factors interact with abiotic factors?
Biotic factors rely on abiotic factors for survival, such as plants needing sunlight.
Why is studying marine biology important for understanding the past?
If early life arose out of the sea, then studying marine biology helps us understand early life on Earth and marine resources.
Describe the role of the polar sea in marine ecosystems.
The polar sea provides unique habitats for species adapted to cold environments.
Give an example of how the ecosystem can be affected by human activities.
Pollution affecting water quality or habitat destruction are examples of human impacts on ecosystems.
What specific factor is determined by the presence of light?
Light is essential for photosynthesis in plants. No light = no plants.
Describe how the absence of biotic factors can affect an ecosystem.
The absence of biotic factors can lead to a collapse of food webs and biodiversity loss.
Name two specific tool used for studying marine life.
Research vessels, Remote sensing, sonar, critter cams, SCUBA, or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are tools used for studying marine life.
How are Mangrove forests beneficial for coastlines?
Mangroves protect coastlines from erosion and provide a habitat for nesting and different animals!