Marine biodiversity

Definition

Marine biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in oceanic ecosystems, encompassing the diversity of species, genetic variations, and the different ecological roles they play. This rich tapestry of life supports ecosystem functionality and resilience, influencing food webs, nutrient cycles, and overall ocean health. It is significantly impacted by factors such as ocean chemistry and acidification, as well as ocean currents and global circulation patterns, which shape habitats and distribution of marine organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marine biodiversity contributes to the resilience of ocean ecosystems, enabling them to recover from disturbances like climate change or pollution.
2. Approximately 70% of Earth's surface is covered by oceans, yet a significant portion of marine species remains undiscovered or unclassified.
3. Changes in ocean currents can alter the distribution of nutrients and organisms, directly affecting marine biodiversity patterns.
4. Ocean acidification threatens marine organisms such as mollusks and corals that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and structures.
5. Healthy marine biodiversity is crucial for fisheries' sustainability, tourism, and the overall well-being of coastal communities.

Review Questions

• How do changes in ocean currents affect marine biodiversity?
  • Changes in ocean currents can significantly influence marine biodiversity by altering nutrient distribution and habitat connectivity. When currents shift, they can either enhance or disrupt the transport of nutrients that support various life forms. This can lead to shifts in species populations, affect breeding grounds, and change the overall ecosystem structure, ultimately impacting the health and resilience of marine environments.
• Discuss the implications of ocean acidification on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
  • Ocean acidification poses a serious threat to marine biodiversity by decreasing pH levels in seawater, which affects calcifying organisms such as corals and shellfish. These organisms are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of marine habitats like coral reefs. As these habitats decline, the associated species that depend on them for shelter and food also suffer, leading to reduced biodiversity and compromised ecosystem services like fishery production and coastal protection.
• Evaluate the importance of preserving marine biodiversity in the context of global environmental changes.
  • Preserving marine biodiversity is vital as it underpins ecosystem resilience in the face of global environmental changes such as climate change and pollution. Diverse ecosystems are better equipped to withstand disturbances and adapt to shifting conditions. Additionally, maintaining a rich variety of marine life supports critical ecosystem services that benefit humanity, including carbon sequestration, oxygen production, and resources for food security. Ultimately, protecting marine biodiversity is essential not just for the health of oceans but also for sustaining human societies.

Related terms

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services provided by marine biodiversity.

Coral Reefs: Highly diverse marine ecosystems known for their complex structures created by coral polyps, which support a vast array of marine species.

Ocean Acidification: The decrease in pH levels of the ocean caused by the absorption of excess atmospheric CO2, impacting marine life and biodiversity.