Marine Biology Lecture Notes

Introduction to Marine Biology

• Definition: Marine biology is the scientific study of marine organisms, their interactions, and their environments.
• Scope: Includes a wide range of organisms from phytoplankton to large marine mammals.

Disciplines Involved in Marine Biology

• Chemistry
• Cell biology
• Astronomy
• Geology
• Other Natural Sciences

Specialization in Marine Biology

• Marine biology is a broad field; specialization in specific areas is common.

Key Areas of Research

1. Marine Biodiversity

   • Documentation of species and patterns of diversity.
   • Factors driving diversity.
   • Importance in conservation efforts.
   • Identifying invasive species.

2. Marine Ecosystems

   • Examples: coral reefs, mangroves, deep-sea environments, intertidal areas.
   • Interactions between organisms and their environment.
   • Understanding primary productivity processes like photosynthesis by phytoplankton.
   • Study of food webs and energy flow.

3. Human Impacts on the Ocean

   • Impact of human activities: fishing, pollution, climate change.
   • Importance of developing management strategies for ocean health.

Importance of Marine Biology

• Helps in conservation and management of marine resources.
• Aids in understanding and protecting marine biodiversity.
• Ensures the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems for future generations.