practice 2 Flashcards
What tools would you use to study thermohaline ocean circulation patterns over the upper 1,000 m of the ocean?
Tools such as CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) sensors, satellite altimetry, and oceanographic buoys
These tools help measure temperature, salinity, and other physical properties of seawater, crucial for understanding circulation patterns.
How can you study the migration timing of an endangered coastal fish species without harming them?
Use non-invasive techniques such as underwater cameras, acoustic telemetry, or environmental DNA sampling
These methods allow for monitoring without physical capture, reducing stress and potential harm to the species.
What methods can be employed to study variations in the abundance of small worms and crustaceans in sea sediment?
Methods include sediment core sampling, sieving, and species identification through microscopy
Sediment core sampling allows for the collection of organisms from various layers, providing insights into their abundance and diversity.
What is the connection between sea ice extent and the winter-time distribution of polar bears?
Polar bears rely on sea ice for hunting seals, which are their primary food source
As sea ice extent decreases due to climate change, polar bear distribution and hunting patterns are adversely affected.
Name three world events outside of science that have influenced the history of marine biology.
- The Industrial Revolution
- World Wars
- Environmental movements in the 20th century
These events led to increased exploration, changes in resource management, and heightened awareness of marine conservation.
What is the microbial loop and why is it important for marine ecology?
The microbial loop involves the cycling of nutrients through microorganisms, contributing to energy transfer in ecosystems
It is crucial for maintaining productivity and nutrient cycling in marine environments.
How is the microbial loop distinct but interrelated with the viral shunt?
The microbial loop involves nutrient cycling by microbes, while the viral shunt refers to the viral lysis of microbes, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem
Both processes are essential for nutrient dynamics but operate through different mechanisms.
Why are productive fisheries found off the California Current, the coast of Peru, and in the Benguela Current?
These areas are characterized by upwelling zones, nutrient-rich waters, and favorable ocean circulation patterns
Upwelling brings nutrients from the deep ocean to the surface, supporting high primary productivity and diverse marine life.
What geological properties might cause the coastlines of North Carolina and Washington state to look different?
Differences in sediment composition, erosion rates, and tectonic activity
North Carolina has more sandy beaches, while Washington features rocky shorelines due to its geological history.
Why are red clays predominant in the North Pacific but not in the North Atlantic?
Red clays accumulate in areas with low biological productivity and high sedimentation rates, often found in the North Pacific
In contrast, the North Atlantic has higher biological productivity, leading to different sediment types.
Calculate the surface area, volume, and surface area:volume ratio for two spherical cells.
Surface area: 4πr², Volume: (4/3)πr³
The cell with a higher surface area:volume ratio is more efficient at nutrient uptake due to a greater surface area relative to its volume.
Name three ways of classifying marine organisms.
- Taxonomic classification
- Ecological classification
- Morphological classification
Multiple classification systems are necessary to account for the diversity of organisms and their varying ecological roles.
Why is a single classification system not sufficient for marine organisms?
A single system may not capture the ecological, genetic, and morphological diversity of organisms
Different systems allow for a more comprehensive understanding of marine biodiversity.
