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Marine Biology

Learn about planktonic communities, phytoplankton diversity, zooplankton ecology, and various adaptations of plankton in the marine environment. Discover the different types of larvae and their importance in marine ecosystems.

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Marine Biology

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  1. Marine Biology Plankton Communities Plankton Communities

  2. What is plankton? • Planktonic organisms have limited powers of locomotion • Planktonic animals are not necessarily small or microscopic • Portuguese Man-o-War Plankton Communities

  3. Plankton Nets and Meshes MOCNESS • Nets used include: bongo, neuston, and MOCNESS Plankton Communities

  4. Veliger Echinoderm Ctenophore Trochophore Arrow worm Plankton Diversity • Holoplankton - spend their entire life in the plankton • Meroplankton - spend only part of their life in the plankton Plankton Communities

  5. Phytoplankton • Phytoplankton is the base for all life in the sea • Usually, microscopic organisms which are capable of photosynthesis (autotrophs) • Photosynthesis - the formation of energy rich compounds from inorganic materials Sunlight + H20 + CO2 C6H12O6 (Glucose) + O2 • Primary Production • Types of producers: benthic microalgae, macroalgae, & phytoplankton For phytoplankton to survive they must stay in the upper part of the water column Plankton Communities

  6. Phytoplankton Diversity • Diatoms • Unicellular and can form large colonial groups • Test is made of silicon dioxide (SIO2) • Frequently spined and ornamental, oil droplets keeps it afloat Colonial Diatom Diatom Plankton Communities

  7. Diatom Reproduction Plankton Communities

  8. Phytoplankton Diversity • Dinoflagellates • Possess two unequal flagella (usually solitary) • Have external skeleton of carbohydrate plates • Many species have chlorophyll but can also ingest food Noctiluca Plankton Communities

  9. Toxic Dinoflagellates • Some species release large amounts of highly toxic neurotoxins • Ptychodiscus causes red tides • Zooxanthellae are photosynthetic dinoflagellates that have symbiotic relationships in animal hosts • They fix carbon dioxide, release oxygen and provide nutrients • Pfiesteria is a dinoflagellate that spends most of its life as a cyst in the sediment Red Tide Plankton Communities

  10. Zooplankton • Holoplankton • Important grazers that provide a link between primary producers and smaller predators • Foraminifera • Single-celled, calcium carbonate (CACO3) skeletons • Most individuals live on or in the bottom Plankton Communities

  11. Holozooplankton • Radiolaria • Single celled, silicon dioxide skeletons • Mostly planktonic with ornate spines used for flotation Plankton Communities

  12. Copepods Holozooplankton • Copepods • The primary herbivores in the sea • Small, several mm. in length and weak swimmers Plankton Communities

  13. Zoea Larvae Megalop Larvae Meroplankton and Plankton Distribution • Contain virtually all phyla from many marine habitats • Many species go through several life stages Plankton Communities

  14. Adaptations of plankton • The biggest challenge for plankton is to stay afloat in the water column • Phytoplankton may sink below the light; zooplankton may sink below the food • By increasing the surface area = decrease the sinking rate Plankton Communities

  15. Adaptations of plankton • Reduction of weight • Alter body composition to fluids which are less dense • Oils and fats • Use special gas filled floats • Man-o-War Plankton Communities

  16. Larvae and Larval Ecology • A large number of marine organisms produce larvae as part of their life cycle • Larvae are independent morphological stages that arise from fertilized eggs • Must undergo profound changes before becoming an adult (metamorphosis) • Most organisms comprising benthic communities have a free-swimming larval stage • What are the possible benefits for having a free-swimming larval stage? Plankton Communities

  17. Different Larval Types • Planktotrophic larvae Barnacle larvae Plankton Communities

  18. Different Larval Types • Lecithotrophic larvae Yolk-sac larvae Plankton Communities

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