What is marine Biology?

Marine biology is the study of marine organisms, their interactions with each other and their environment, and the ecosystems they inhabit. It’s a field of biological sciences that covers a wide range of topics, including the physiology and ecology of marine life.

What do marine biologists study?

• Marine organisms: Marine biologists study animals, plants, and microscopic life forms that live in saltwater environments.
• Ecosystems: Marine biologists study the natural water environments and ecosystems that marine organisms live in, such as coral reefs and estuaries.
• Interactions: Marine biologists study how marine organisms interact with each other and their environment.
• Human impact: Marine biologists study how humans affect marine life, including topics like climate change, conservation, and environmental policy.
• Conduct research: Marine biologists plan research expeditions, design studies, collect and analyse data, and make observations.
• Work in the field or lab: Marine biologists can work in the field or in the lab, depending on their specialty.
• Advice businesses and organizations: Marine biologists can advise businesses and organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact on marine environments.

 

Figure 1: Marine Biologist Source 🙁 http://educationcareerarticles.com/)

 

Related fields

• Biochemistry: Marine biology overlaps with biochemistry, which is the study of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms.
• Microbiology: Marine biology overlaps with microbiology, which is the study of microorganisms.
• Psychology: Marine biology overlaps with psychology.
• Anthropology: Marine biology overlaps with anthropology.

 

Some of the key areas of research in marine biology include:

• Ecology: Marine ecologists study the interactions between marine organisms and their environment. They may investigate food webs, predator-prey relationships, and the effects of pollution on marine ecosystems.
• Physiology: Marine physiologists study how marine organisms function. They may investigate how organisms adapt to the challenges of living in the ocean, such as changes in temperature, salinity, and pressure.
• Behaviour: Marine biologists who study behaviour investigate how marine animals interact with each other and their environment. They may study topics such as mating, communication, and navigation.
• Conservation: Marine conservation biologists work to protect and restore marine ecosystems and species. They may conduct research on endangered species, develop conservation plans, and advocate for policies that protect the ocean.

Marine biology is a fascinating field of study that is essential for understanding and protecting our planet’s oceans. Marine biologists play a vital role in helping us to understand the complex workings of the marine environment and to find ways to protect it for future generations.

 

Sub-Fields of Marine Biology:

• Ichthyology
• Aquaculture
• Marine mammalogy
• Chemical oceanography
• Marine biogeochemists
• Fisheries
• Ecology
• Invertebrate Zoology
• Biological oceanography
• Marine microbiology
• Fisheries Officer
• Marine biology dissertation
• Marine conservation
• Marine geology
• Environmental Consultant

 

Figure 2: Biological oceanographic activities (source: http://africamarinetraining.org/)

 

Why study marine Biology?

Studying marine biology can help us understand the ocean, its inhabitants, and how to protect it. It can also lead to careers in science, conservation, and environmental stewardship.

• Contribute to scientific research: Marine biologists help us understand the ocean and its creatures.
• Develop new technologies: Marine biology can lead to the 8 of new drugs, technologies, and solutions to environmental problems.
• Learn valuable skills: Marine biology teaches math, science, and other skills that are useful in many fields.
• Protect the environment: Marine biologists can help protect the ocean from pollution, climate change, and other human activities.
• Learn about biodiversity: Marine biology teaches us about the ocean’s rich biodiversity, from plankton to whales.
• Develop environmental awareness: Marine biology can help people understand how pollution affects the ocean and how to participate in environmental activism.

 

How is marine Biology studied?

Marine biology is studied through a variety of methods, including experiments, observations, and data collection. Marine biologists study the behaviour, structure, and relationships of marine life, as well as how they interact with their environment.

• Methods:

1. Experiments: Marine biologists conduct experiments to see how marine life survives in different conditions, such as under pollution or warming oceans.
2. Observations: Marine biologists take photographs or tag species to learn more about their behaviour.
3. Data collection: Marine biologists collect data on marine life and their environment.

Marine Biology versus biological oceanography

• Marine Biology

1. Focus: Primarily on the study of marine organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) themselves.
2. Key Areas: Taxonomy, physiology, behaviour, ecology, and conservation of marine life.
3. Example Research: Studying the mating habits of sea turtles, investigating the impact of pollution on coral reefs, or developing new techniques for aquaculture.

• Biological Oceanography

1. Focus: On how marine organisms interact with and influence the ocean environment.
2. Key Areas: Marine ecology, biogeochemistry, microbial oceanography, and the role of marine organisms in global biogeochemical cycles.
3. Example Research: Investigating how phytoplankton blooms affect ocean carbon dioxide levels, studying the role of deep-sea microbes in nutrient cycling, or examining how climate change impacts marine ecosystems.

Key Differences

• Perspective: Marine biologists focus on the organisms themselves, while biological oceanographers focus on the broader ecosystem and how organisms shape it.
• Scope: Marine biology is often more focused on specific organisms or groups of organisms, while biological oceanography takes a broader view of the entire marine ecosystem
• Research Methods: Marine biologists may use techniques like observation, experimentation, and genetic analysis, while biological oceanographers may also use tools like remote sensing, modelling, and biogeochemical analysis.

Overlap and Interdependence

• Interdisciplinary Field: The two fields are closely related and often overlap.
• Mutual Benefit: Marine biologists can benefit from understanding the broader oceanographic context, while biological oceanographers can gain insights from studying specific marine organisms.

In essence:

• Marine biologists are like zoologists of the sea, focusing on the individual animals.
• Biological oceanographers are like ecologists of the sea, studying the entire marine ecosystem and how it functions.

Both fields are crucial for understanding and protecting our oceans.

Career opportunities 

• Marine biologist
• Biomedical research scientist,
• Marine biotechnologist
• Environmental Consultant
• Veterinarian
• Aquarium manager