Module 8: Biological Oceanography

In order to study life in the oceans, it is important to look at how life began, the basic characteristics of living organisms, and the different marine species in existence. It is theorized that less complex molecules came together to form more complex molecules until life evolved into being. In order to be classified as a living organism, one must be able to consume energy from the environment, reproduce, adapt and change over time. With more than 250,000 marine species in existence, scientists have created ways to categorize and name organisms in order to study and learn more about them. Most organisms are grouped according to their similarities.

Marine organisms must have special characteristics in order to survive in the marine environment in which they live. These special characteristics, or adaptations, help organisms tackle different obstacles encountered in the ocean. Examples of adaptations include camouflaged coloring to attract prey or escape predators, gills for extracting oxygen from surrounding water, and bioluminescence.

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