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Marine Biology/Oceanography

Steve Drott

(Kearns High School)

INTRODUCTION

• The study of the Marine Sciences (Marine Biology and of Oceanography) have become increasingly more important to our species in recent years. As we become more aware of the benefits that can be derived from the oceans, and as the world's land food supply begins to appear to be finite, we seek other areas for future use. Modern research indicates the possibility of high intelligence in the seas, but the threat of extinction of such beings seems imminent. The constant threat of global disaster including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and atmospheric disruptions such as El Nino, make oceanographic studies tremendously important. Meteorologists have for decades looked to the oceans to predict what we terrestrials could next expect. The value of study and the fascination with the marine sciences, however, is not limited to the finding of food, ecological demands, or warnings of impending disasters. We have, in the ocean, a vast wealth of entertainment, jobs, recreation, study, and natural resources. This course is designed as an introduction to the world's oceans, and to the inhabitants and processes contained within its vast boundaries. It is a course for students who may have little background in the sciences, or for those students pursuing careers in the sciences.

COURSE PREVIEW

• We begin our studies with a brief history of Marine biology. We will then learn about the sea floor and it's topography. The chemical and physical properties of the ocean such as sea water, ocean circulation, waves, and tides will then be discussed. Various marine communities, including benthic communities, intertidal communities, coral reefs, and pelagic communities are then explored. Turning now to the biological properties contained within the sea, we will start with marine primary producers and examine the major factors that shape the pattern of marine primary productivity. A survey of the nekton including fish and mammals will then be discussed in great detail. The remainder of the class will be devoted to understanding the effects of the human presence upon the marine ecosystem, including fishing and pollution.

TEXTS

Castro, Peter & Huber, Mike. Marine Biology. Iowa: Wm. C. Brown Publishers, 1997.

Gross, M. Grant. Oceanography. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Publishers, 1993.

Sumich, James L. Marine Life: An Introduction to the Biology of. Iowa: Wm. C. Brown Publishers, 1992.

TOPICS

• I. HISTORY OF MARINE BIOLOGY

  II. THE SEA FLOOR

  • A. The ocean basin

    B. The geologic provinces of the ocean

  III. CHEMICAL & PHYSICAL FEATURES OF OCEANS

  • A. Properties of sea water

    B. Motion in the ocean

    C. Vertical motion and the three-layer ocean

  IV. INTERTIDAL COMMUNITIES

  V. CORAL REEF COMMUNITIES

  VI. EPIPELAGIC COMMUNITIES

  VII. BENTHIC COMMUNITIES

  VIII. PRIMARY PRODUCERS

  • A. Phytoplankton

    B. Multicellular algae

  IX. MARINE FISHES

  • A. Types of fishes

    B. Biology of fishes

  X. MARINE TETRAPODS

  • A. Marine Birds and Reptiles

    B. Marine Mammals

    C. Exploitation by Man

  XI. HUMAN IMPACT ON THE OCEAN

  • A. Pollution

    B. Modification and destruction of habitats

    C. Threatened and endangered species

    D. Conserving and enhancing the environment

Updated August 1, 1997 by Steve Drott