Module 9: Marine Ecology
Like the links in a chain, all marine organisms are interconnected with other organisms in their environment. In addition, organisms are dependent on their environment. Ecology is the study of living organisms in relation to their ecosystems. Throughout this module, you will learn about the complex relationships that marine organisms have with one another, as well as how energy is passed through the food chain. You will discover the roles of primary producers, or organisms that make their own energy, and then explore the feeding relationships of the ocean and how energy is transferred. Also, you will study symbiosis and examine how important partnerships between different species enable some to survive. Finally, you will visit each of the important marine communities that these organisms call home.
Getting Started
How much do you already know about marine ecology? In this non-graded interactivity, follow the instructions on each question slide. Click SUBMIT to check your response. Click the player button to begin.
Key Vocabulary
To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.
| 2nd Law of Thermodynamics | diatom | open ocean |
| abyssal | dinoflagellate | Phaeophyta |
| abyssopelagic zone | ecology | photosynthesis |
| Antarctic | ecosystem | phytoplankton |
| apex predator | energy pyramid | picoplankton |
| aphotic zone | entropy | predator |
| Arctic | epipelagic zone | prey |
| autotroph | estuary | primary producer |
| bathypelagic zone | flagella | radula |
| beach | Gastropoda | respiration |
| carbohydrate | glucose | Rhodophyta |
| carnivore | grazer | salt marsh |
| carrying capacity | habitat | secondary consumer |
| chemosynthesis | hadopelagic zone | silicoflagellate |
| chlorophyta | herbivore | species diversity |
| climax community | hydrothermal vent | sublittoral zone |
| coccolithophores | intertidal | succession |
| commensalism | kelp | suspension/filter feeder |
| community | limiting factor | symbiosis |
| consumer | littoral zone | top carnivore |
| coral polyp | mangrove | Tracheophyta |
| coral reef | mesopelagic zone | trophic level |
| cyanobacteria | mimicry | vent |
| decomposer | mutualism | zooplankton |
| deposit feeder | niche | zooxanthellae |
| detritivore | omnivore |