Module 9: Marine Ecology

coralLike 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

Getting Started IconMarine EcologyHow 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