Intro to Marine Bio
What is Marine Biology?
Marine Biology is the study of life in the oceans and other saltwater environments such as estuaries and wetlands.
What elements make up the water molecule?
Hydrogen (2) and Oxygen (1)
Describe the differences between the 2 layers of sea otter fur.
1. 1 million hairs per square inch, dense, thick, keeps them warm
2. Waterproof, prevents first layer from getting wet
In what year was the Fur Seal Treaty signed? It which protected otters from hunting.
1911
Give 2 reasons why it is important to study Marine Biology.
There are several possible responses...
Which property of water maintains a cool, stable environment in ponds, oceans, rivers, lakes, etc. and prevents water from evaporating quickly?
High Specific Heat/High Heat Capacity
Why are sea otters considered a keystone species?
they maintain a stable environment for other sea creatures by preventing sea urchins from overpopulating. Preserve kelp forests.
Name 3 countries that were involved with the sea otter fur trade.
Japan, Russia, Canada, U.S (I will accept Europe)
Describe an estuary.
Where saltwater and freshwater meet.
According to science, name 3 ways in which water appeared on Earth.
asteroids, comets, early atmosphere of earth (condensation), elements were present in earth's mantle, rocks in the crust reacted with chemicals in the early atmosphere
Geographically, where do sea otters reside?
Pacific Ocean Coastal regions
Describe the vocal behavior of a sea otter.
Pups are the most vocal. A pup can be heard squealing when its mother leaves it to dive for food and often times when a male approaches. coos and grunts, growls, snarls, whistles and hisses
Describe 2 social/ethical issues that could be involved with Marine Biology.
-animal cruelty
-invasion of habitat
-pollution
-pharmaceuticals
-etc...
Give 3 reasons why water is an essential molecule on earth AND describe why.
related to the properties of water (also humans and living organisms)
Name 3 of the sea otter's relatives
Skunk, badger, wolverine, weasel
What does "extirpated" mean in the following statement: Sea otters were extirpated in the 18th/19th centuries
nearly extinct/nearly wiped out
In detail, name AND describe 3 tools discussed in class that can be used in Marine Biology.
-Satellite, Trawling, Plankton net, ROV, Fiber Optic Observational Equipment, computers, hydrophone
Name 6 properties of water discussed in class AND describe them.
Polar molecule
Universal Solvent
High Heat Capacity (specific heat)
Cohesive Properties (surface tension)
Adhesive Properties (capillary action)
Less dense as a solid than liquid
What does foraging mean, in regard to sea otters?
To search for food, find food
After the 18th and 19th century Fur Trade, sea otters were close to extinction, but made it out alive. Which marine animal mentioned in the reading became extinct?
Stellar's Sea Cow