Marine Biology - Literature review Example

Marine Biology: Articles Review Marine Biology: Articles Review Patchy Plankton The article ‘Patchy Plankton’ by Durham highlight the role of patchy plankton in an aquatic ecosystem. This algae plant is a source of oxygen for aquatic lives. For instance, it serves as a food supplement in various food webs in this bionetwork. This plant also produces a sizable mass of the oxygen in the atmosphere. This plant usually forms long patches, which help fishermen in eliminating predators to fish successfully. According to Durham (2013), this plant forms small patches, especially in undersea. These small-scale patches measured few millimeters. The ocean turbulence helps spread the phytoplankton over the sea. The toxic blooms formed by the algal plant. This protects aquatic lives against predators like birds and other animals. This article reveals that the phytoplankton uses their flagella in the process of swimming. This enables bias of vertical swimming, which helps them to absorb a lot of heat especially day time. However, these micro-organisms descend to the deep sea, which is rich in nutrients. The bias to vertical swimming helps the plankton to overcome the forces, which may damage its cells. This swimming enables the plankton to move to target places. This small-scale patchiness of the plankton is vital given that it brings the phytoplankton close. This enables this plankton to reproduce. Additionally, this also helps the plankton to produce toxic substances, which keep off predators and competitors in this ecosystem. Clumping works against the phytoplankton because it increases competition in the sea. However, the plankton can evade this Problem through the changing of the direction of its flagella. Moreover, the phytoplankton can also resort to swimming slowly in order to overcome the challenge of clumping. Tracking Troubles The article, ‘Tracking troubles’ by Aby Olena highlights the means scientists use in exploration of marine animals. The scientists use different kinds of sophisticated devices in tracking the animal moves in their marine ecosystem. This exercise salty alters the animal behaviors because of their sensitivity to human encroachment. Tracking negatively impacts on the aquatic lives. Olena (2013) asserts that the scientists ventured in the measuring of drags through the use of their tracking devices. They also measured the drags without the use of their devices. The objective of these experiments was to ascertain the effect of the difference drag sizes on velocity and the animal behavior especially the turtles. The scientists deduced that large marine animals have low drags, which does not have a substantial influence on their behaviors. Conversely, tagged small animals exhibited a high increase in drags. This implied that they responded to tagging unlike the large animals. They suggested that tagged large animals likely only have slight increases in drag that would have negligible effects on their behavior. But tagging smaller animals could increase drag much more, causing them to expend more energy to swim or decrease their velocity, which in turn could disrupt migration, feeding, and mating. This article shows that excessive dragging can distort scientific findings. The scientists endeavor to establish the behavior of the marine animals through the use of their devices like the binoculars. This course has enabled them to ascertain the effect of dragging on both small and big marine animals. Moreover, the scientists have managed to evaluate the behavioral change of different types of marine animals with regard to dragging. This has been done when there is use of the scientific devices and when the devices are not used. The tagged large animals showed no response of dragging unlike the tagged small animals, which showed high dragging. Consequently, this had the effect of drastic reduction in the locomotion. Additionally, this slowing of locomotion results in lower chances of mating and even feeding. In this regard, it is easier for the scientist to carry out studies on small animals than larger animals. A Briny Paradise Jef Aktst’s article ‘A Briny Paradise’ highlights the scientific exploration of the Mediterranean Sea. The scientists had a tour of the various basins of the Mediterranean Sea, which were anorexic. These basins were highly saline. They were also depleted because of dissolution of oxygen. The scientists established that this effect was caused by the large deposits of salt that accumulated under the sea during the time the sea dried up. Aktst (2013) claims that the scientists affirmed that this environment is extreme given the combination of hyper saline and anoxic adverse conditions. Additionally, this basin contained ions which hampered the physiological functioning of organism cells. This article outlines the adversity of the Mediterranean basins, which researchers studied. The basins are discovered to be hyper saline due to the huge deposits of salt, which was formed over five million years ago. This environment is extreme for any marine animal to survive. However, some species of fish can survive in this saline environment. The water of these basins was dense, which made it fail to mix with any surrounding water mass. The density of this water was proved through the floating of bottles. These basins looked like normal lakes. The article reveals that some sediment samples were tested in laboratories in order to establish the rate of metabolic activities in communities. The tests were also aimed at estimation of the biodiversity of various kinds of bacteria and other microorganisms in the halocline environment. Coastal Command The article, ‘Coastal command’ by Megan Scudellari highlights the effects of Hurricane Katrina on marine research complex in the year 2008. The destructive hurricane caused damage to the roof of the research complex of the Universities of Louisiana. According to Scudellari (2013), this hurricane caused mayhem and the authorities were compelled to reconstruct and repair the affected buildings. This resulted in the expansion of marine hypoxic zones. These are sections of oceans, which have a low oxygen concentration. These sections usually do not support any aquatic lives. However, this helped in the reconstruction of the buildings damaged by the hurricane. The ‘Coastal command’ article reveals the devastation and the magnitude of damage caused by the Katrina hurricane. The destruction of the Marine research complex and a couple of university buildings shows that the 157 mile per hour hurricane was severe and strong Scudellari (2013). The reconstruction of these structures led to other scientific explorations. In this regard, the hypoxic sections of the sea were discovered and scientific findings were made for future references. Additionally, the article shows that the magnitude of a hurricane determines the extent of damage caused. The reference to the previous hurricane is approving that the Katrina hurricane did more harm than the previous hurricane. The winds were strong and fast and were able to demolish the university buildings and the roof of the Marine scientific complex. Ancient Organic Molecules Found The article, ‘Ancient Organic Molecules Found’ by Dan Cossins reveals how the ancient sea creatures are a source of organic molecules. Researchers have discovered organic molecules. These molecules were found sealed in fossil sediments. The fossilized remains belong to ancient sea creatures like the crinoids. The discovered molecules are believed to be the oldest of all the molecules, which have been detached from a fossil. Cossins (2013) posits that this molecule will help trace the relationship between the ancient and the modern crinoid species. Additionally, other biological molecules are often found in rocks. The crinoids are animals with plant features. These animals have feathery arms, which are used for food gathering. The article reveals that the discovered organic molecule is the oldest molecules to be obtained from a fossil. Although there are some molecules, which are usually obtained from the rocks eh organic molecule is a rare molecule. According to this article, the explorers have established that crinoids are vital in the finding of organic molecules. This is because this organism has some relationship with the ancient species of crinoids. The study of these crinoids gives a glimpse of the evolution process of these species. This evolution reveals a lot of information pertaining to the fossilized organisms and their significance. The discovery of this molecule gave the researchers an opportunity to carry out substantive rests on the core components of this molecule. The analysis of this organic molecule led to the discovery of Quinones. Fish Bioluminescence: Distinctive Flashing Patterns Might Facilitate Fish Mating This article by the American Museum of Natural history shows that deep sea fish use bioluminescence to communicate. The article shows that deep sea fish that use this communication strategy are diversifying into new and different species at a faster rate than fish that glow as camouflage. The article is focused on a research that shows that bioluminescence has the ability to promote mating and communication amongst fish species in the open sea. The article notes that bioluminescence is commonly found in fish that inhabit the deep sea. Fish that inhabit this region exhibit species-specific patterns such as the light producing structures. According to this article, the deep ocean environment is different to the land environment where mountain ranges, rivers and other physical barriers can isolate animals. The deep ocean does not provide many physical barriers to gene flow and reproduction. Traditionally, this has been considered as the reason as to why the deep oceans have low levels of fish species. The article notes that the comparison of bristle mouths and lantern fishes is ideal for assessing speciation in the deep ocean. The two fish species are bioluminescent, and the most abundant fish species in the world. It is vital to note that the two species live in a dark environment. According to this research, their bioluminescent abilities have an impact on communication, which plays a role in the diversification of the species and deep sea. This article is imperative to the society and marine biology because it introduces a different perspective for studying marine diversification. The article introduces marine biology to study how deep sea fish species use bioluminescence for reproduction and communication. It provides insights into the phenomenon, which has a role in shaping present-day marine biodiversity. EvoDevo Meets Ecology: The Ninth Okazaki Biology Conference on Marine Biology Ulirich Technau article talks about the ninth Okazaki biology conference that was held at the National Institute for Basic Biology in Japan. The conference was called to discuss coral reef ecology and symbiosis. The conference was based on the recognition of the increasing awareness of the development and evolution of organisms that are intimately tied to their environments. The conference brought researchers together from different fields in marine biology. The organizers of the conference focused on four themes. These were the cnidarians and their symbionts as meta-organisms or holobionts, the interactions of meta-organisms and organisms with their environments, gene and genomic regulations and the evolution of developments in ctenophores and cnidarians. This article shows the importance of approaching marine biology using disciplinary strategies. The involvement of numerous marine biologists in studying the marine ecology provides opportunities for expanding human understanding of the relationship between marine animals and their symbiotic micro biota. The main focus of the conference was the discussion of environmental biology. The researchers who attended the conference provided insights into how marine meta-organisms and organisms sense and respond to an environment. This article is related to marine biology because it provides insights into how marine organisms respond to environmental changes and stress, particularly in the face of global warming. The article shows that new approaches and attempts are necessary for understanding the intimate relationships between organisms and their environment. Relationships in marine ecosystems are dynamic and crucial for shaping the lifecycle, shape and physiology of marine life. Argentina: Carnivorous Fish Attacks Bathers in a River This article by the Associated Press talks about an incident in Argentina, where bathers were attacked by a school of carnivorous fish. The attack injured 70 people who were bathing in a river in Argentina. Among the people who were attacked were 7 children who lost their fingers or toes. The bathers were cooling themselves from the soaring temperatures in Parana River. This article provides insights into the impact of human interactions with marine life. The carnivorous fish might have attacked the humans because they were disturbing their habitat. One of the marine officials in Argentina noted that this event was exceptional in terms of magnitude. This article shows the importance of understanding marine animals and their behavior. On the day that the people were attacked by the piranhas, the temperatures were soaring. Piranha attacks in freshwater systems peak during the hot and dry season. They attack because of scarcity of food, and the lowering of water levels. Fatal piranha attacks are rare. During the attacks, piranhas bite the extremities such as hands and feet. It is vital to note that piranhas are motivated to attack humans when they splash water. This was the case during the attack because hundreds of people were splashing water as they bathed in the river. This article relates to marine biology because it provides insights into the behavior of one of the voracious fish species. Marine biology provides information and insights that will help in the comprehension of the behaviors of marine animals. In this case, the temperatures and activities in the water were conducive for the attacks. Marine Invasive Species. State of the Gulf Of Maine Report This article by Adrienne Pappal talks about marine invasive species and its effects on native species. This article is based on climate change and its facilitation of marine invasion, species at risk of invasion and the coastal ecosystems and habitats. The Gulf of Maine has a marine habitat that supports ever growing invasive marine species. These invasive species cause harm to an ecosystem, in addition to the economy and health of people in the Gulf. The management of invading marine species is important for the protection of the native species. The invading species are usually aggressive against the native species. The management of these species is a new endeavor that requires collaboration with marine biologists and governments. According to this article, there are numerous ways of introducing invasive marine species into an ecosystem. The article states that there are approximately 64 invasions that have occurred within the Gulf of Maine. These invasions are facilitated by pressures such as marine habitat modifications, shipping, climate change and aquaculture. The invasive species have a colossal impact on the survival of the native species. The main impact of invasive species in an ecosystem is the competitive displacement of native marine species. As a result of the impact of the invasive species, it is paramount to have effective marine management approaches. This article relates to marine biology because it focuses on invasive marine species and their impacts on an ecosystem. The article also introduces marine management strategies in the face of an invasion. This article is important in understanding rapid response, early detection, education and research in marine biology. Coral Animals Combat Stress with Sulphur The article by Graham Jones talks about the strategies that are used by marine animals to control environmental stress. According to this article, coral reefs are successful because of the symbiotic relationship between the coral polyp (animal host) and the intracellular photosynthesis dinoflagellate algae, which supplies 95 percent of the host’s energy needs. The successes of the coral are attributed to its ability to sense and respond to its environment. In this case, the alga produces a sulphorous compound, which is involved in the climate feedback cycle. In the absence of the algal symbionts, coral polyps develop abilities to produce the Sulphur compound. This article provides insights into one of the strategies used by coral to control their environments. This strategy has conferred adaptation abilities to corals. In this case, corals are involved in the biosynthesis of DMSP, which is a compound that enables corals to survive in its environment, in the face of rising sea temperatures. This has enabled corals to survive in conditions of thermal stress. The ability to produce DMSP has placed corals as major players of climate regulation. This article relates to the society and marine biology because it provides insights into marine conservations. It also provides insights into marine adaptations. It is vital to note that marine ecosystems are facing challenges from climate change, which has led to an increase in marine temperatures. Different marine species have developed adaptations to cope with these changes. The strategy that has been adapted by corals is the production of abundant amounts of DMSP. References Aktst, J. (October 1, 2013). A Briny Paradise. The Scientist-Exploring life, Inspiring Innovation, vol.5, pp. 86-101. American Museum of Natural History. (2014). Fish Bioluminescence: Distinctive Flashing Patterns Might Facilitate Fish Mating. Science Daily. Retrieved From http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140304095107.htm Cossins. D. (February 20, 2013). Ancient Organic Molecules Found. The Scientist-Exploring life, Inspiring, vol. 4, pp.57-71. Durham, W. (2013). Turbulence drives micro scale patches of motile Phytoplankton.  Nature Comm, 4, pp. 2148 - 3148. Jones, G. (2013). Coral Animals Combat Stress with Sulphur. Marine Biology. Macmillan Publishers Limited. Retrieved From < http://www.readcube.com/articles/10.1038%2Fnature12698> Olena, A. (November 1, 2013). Tracking Troubles. The Scientist-Exploring life, Inspiring Innovation. 2, pp. 91-107. Pappal, A. (2013). Marine Invasive Species. State of the Gulf Of Maine Report. Massachusetts. Gulf Of Maine Council on the Marine Environment. Scudellari, M. (September, 1, 2013). Coastal Command. The Scientist-Exploring life, Inspiring Innovation, vol.1, pp. 78-101. Technau, U., & Weis, V. (2013). EvoDevo Meets Ecology: The Ninth Okazaki Biology Conference on Marine Biology. Vienna. Biomed Central. The Associated Press. (2013). Argentina: Carnivorous Fish Attacks Bathers in a River. The New York Times. 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