DOCSLIB.ORG

Abstract Chemistry Adaptations and Uses in Animals Bioluminescence

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Abstract Chemistry Adaptations and Uses in Animals Bioluminescence Bioluminescence Jack Prehatny Abstract Adaptations and uses in animals Red tide events Bioluminescence and human use Bioluminescence is the production of light by a living organism. Both The phenomena of Bioluminescence in marine organisms is an adaptation A red tide event is a phenomena where large quantities of marine Humans have discovered several uses for bioluminescence in manmade terrestrial and marine animals exhibit bioluminescence, but it is found that serves many purposes. Common functions of these mechanisms microorganisms (Dinoflagellates) accumulate, forming what’s known as machines, tools, and medical procedures. One such example would be the more commonly in marine animals. Bioluminescence can be observed in include predation, elusion, and attracting a mate. Certain adaptations allow an algal bloom, which is a reddish-brown in color. The rapid accumulation implementation of bioluminescence as a means of medical imaging. This several different phyla of marine organisms, many of which exist in the for different organisms to serve a function more efficiently. An example of of these Dinoflagellates result in heavy surface water coloration and process, called “Bioluminescent imaging” permits noninvasive imaging pelagic and benthic zones of the ocean. The light these organisms produce a defensive adaptation would be that of a squid, which uses its flashing toxification of the surrounding ecosystem. These events are associated of internal biological functions, which may be used to gather a greater is synthesized rather than just a reflection or absorption of natural light, lights to disorient predators while it makes its escape. Another defensive with the term “Harmful Algae Bloom” since they pose a threat to marine understanding of diseases as well as the effect of treatments for these and serves many functions. Bioluminescence and its causes have been tactic that many fish use is called counter illumination. Many pelagic fish organism, the marine ecology, and humans. Densely packed, these groups diseases on these biological functions. shrouded in mystery throughout history, with many accounts being linked fall victim to predators who hunt from below their prey, but with counter of microorganisms also deoxygenize the affected water, resulting in to paranormal activity. Today, scientists have a greater understanding of the illumination, many of these fish are actually safe. Bioluminescent organs oxygen levels so low that fish and other marine life die. Red tides occur function, and it is even used in some medical tools and procedures today. It are positioned downwards, and mimic the light levels that strike the most frequently between the months of April and August in warmer water is likely that bioluminescence will continue to be used by humans in topside of these fish, thus creating a transparent effect that helps where there is plenty of sunlight. Although there are many harmful effects several practices in the future. camouflage them in these pelagic zones. Another method used mainly by of these algal blooms, there are also benefits for marine ecology. These starfish is a diversion tactic in which the starfish will detach a glowing organisms contribute to a high level of productivity in the Carbon-Dioxide- limb to draw predators away to make an escape. Sea cucumbers also use Oxygen cycle. Carbon-Dioxide from the atmosphere diffuses into the the diversion tactic by attempting to attach their glowing particles and water where it is converted into oxygen by these microorganism, which detachable parts to nearby fish which act as a lure for predators. then diffuses back out into the atmosphere. Chemistry The light in Bioluminescence is created through a chemical reaction that utilizes the light producing organic molecule luciferin, and the catalyst luciferase. Fish, bacteria, and dinoflagellates use luciferase to catalyze the oxidation of luciferin. Oxygen reacts with the luciferin to create Fig.8, GFP is used to “tag” cancer cells in an MRI. “oxyluciferin” which emits light energy. Luciferin is mainly introduced into the system via diet, or is produced via internal synthesis. Special tools have been created that utilize bioluminescence in a plethora of ways. One particular tool, known as a BioScan, can detect varying levels of ATP in certain elements, which is essential in the production of Fig.3, Bioluminescent smoke being used as a defense mechanism. Fig.5, Accumulations of Dinoflagellates form red tides light. The use for this particular tool is to detect contaminations in water, and ATP is an indicator for bacteria. There are also many predatory adaptations for bioluminescence, At night, the disturbance of these Dinoflagellates and other Green Fluorescent Protein – (GFP), is used in cloning procedures for particularly in benthic fish. One such example exists in Anglerfish, which microorganisms can cause a Bioluminescent glow. Different types of conceivable plants and animals in labs everywhere. This protein can be have a long rod-like structure on their head, known as a filament. These luminescence can be linked to different types of microorganisms. In most implemented into organisms to observe the creation and transport of other proteins. Once the GFP gene is joined with those of other proteins, medical Fig.1, Luciferase catalyzes the oxidation of Luciferin fish light up the tips of these filaments which act as a lure for curious and cases, Dinoflagellates are accompanied by phytoplankton such as diatoms, unsuspecting prey. Other fish have the ability to create different colored which cause a bright fluorescent glow. Dinoflagellates accompanied by equipment can be used to find the GDP distinct green luminescence and light to give them an advantage while hunting for prey. These fish use red non-photosynthesizing zooplankton produce a dimmer glow. track it. Today, it is commonly referred to as a “Biomarker”. light, which many fish at the benthic level cannot detect because the Other marine animals, such as shrimp, cnidarians, and ctenophores use a wavelength of red light is the longest, and thus permeates water the least. similar process that is slightly altered. Instead of catalyzing the oxidation Many fish are not adapted to see using red light, which is why these of luciferin, luciferase is bound to both oxygen as well as luciferin, predatory fish can use red light to seek out prey while remaining forming a “photoprotein”. Chemical ions such as calcium and potassium undetected. Is has been suggested that a select few organisms mimic the References cited are then added to the bond, creating a chemical reaction which emits light. bioluminescent pattern “mating call” to lure in prey. What’s more is that Other species have flashing lights that are exhausted after the luciferin the color of bioluminescence varies among fish and smaller organisms completes the oxidization process. throughout the marine ecosystem. In defensive and territorial cases, light “Bioluminescence”. National Geographic. Web. 7 December, 2014. frequencies of colors can be mimicked to startle predators or evict other http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/biolumin Although Bioluminescence is commonly mistaken for Phosphorescence or organisms from a desired location. escence/?ar_a=1 Fluorescence, they are entirely different processes. Fluorescent light is created by absorbing and converting light into different photons, whereas bioluminescence is a chemiluminescent process in which a chemical Fig.6, Dinoflagellates emit bioluminescence when stimulated Haddock, S.H.D., M.A. Moline, and J.F. Case. “Functions of reaction takes place to synthesize it’s own light source. Phosphorescence is Bioluminescence”. Web. 2010. http://biolum.eemb.ucsb.edu/functions.html similar to Fluorescence in that it absorbs light photons, but excites electrons in the surrounding outer shell, producing a different light effect. Milky seas are a phenomena where thousands of square miles worth of http://guides.library.harvard.edu/content.php?pid=419040&sid=3493509 seawater is filled with bioluminescent bacteria (Vibrio harveyi), resulting “Bioluminescence at work today”. Harvard University. Web. 14 August, in a bluish glow at night. These eerie events have been recorded 2014. throughout history and have often been associated with paranormal activity and ghost stories from sailors. From satellite images, milky seas appear Bruckner, Monica. “Red Tide- A Harmful Algal Bloom”. Montana State whitish blue in color, with the largest ever recorded being the size of the University. Web. 7 December, 2014. Fig.4, An anglerfish illuminates its filament to lure in prey. state of Connecticut. http://serc.carleton.edu/microbelife/topics/redtide/index.html Litteral, Linda. “Bioluminescence in marine animals”. Dive Training magazine. Magazine. 5 May, 2013. Bioluminescent adaptations also act as a means of communication for http://dtmag.com/Stories/Ocean%20Science/01-98-ecoseas.htm mating purposes. Photophores on the sides and bottoms of many pelagic and benthic fish help serve as a distinction from other bioluminescent creatures, particularly when there are unique patterns on the head and tail. J.W. Hastings. “Chemistry of Bioluminescence”. University of Santa These lighting patterns can be used for specified tasks such as mating Barbara. 24 November, 2014. Web. http://biolum.eemb.ucsb.edu/chem/ Fig.2, Bioluminescence is created through chemical excitation whereas “calls” and signals. Furthermore, many of these fish have adapted to detect Fluorescence uses excited light energy to absorb and emit photons. certain colors in bioluminescence to distinguish from predators, prey, and “What is Bioluminescence?”. National Ocean and Atmospheric mates. Lanternfish are adapted to view blue-green light, while other Administration. 7 August, 2014. Web. predators have adapted to using red light as a communication distinction. http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/biolum.html Fig.7, Satellite photo of a large “Milky Sea”..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Deep-Sea Life Issue 8, November 2016 Cruise News Going Deep: Deepwater Exploration of the Marianas by the Okeanos Explorer
    Deep-Sea Life Issue 8, November 2016 Welcome to the eighth edition of Deep-Sea Life: an informal publication about current affairs in the world of deep-sea biology. Once again we have a wealth of contributions from our fellow colleagues to enjoy concerning their current projects, news, meetings, cruises, new publications and so on. The cruise news section is particularly well-endowed this issue which is wonderful to see, with voyages of exploration from four of our five oceans from the Arctic, spanning north east, west, mid and south Atlantic, the north-west Pacific, and the Indian Ocean. Just imagine when all those data are in OBIS via the new deep-sea node…! (see page 24 for more information on this). The photo of the issue makes me smile. Angelika Brandt from the University of Hamburg, has been at sea once more with her happy-looking team! And no wonder they look so pleased with themselves; they have collected a wonderful array of life from one of the very deepest areas of our ocean in order to figure out more about the distribution of these abyssal organisms, and the factors that may limit their distribution within this region. Read more about the mission and their goals on page 5. I always appreciate feedback regarding any aspect of the publication, so that it may be improved as we go forward. Please circulate to your colleagues and students who may have an interest in life in the deep, and have them contact me if they wish to be placed on the mailing list for this publication.
    [Show full text]
  • Resolving Geographic Expansion in the Marine Trophic Index
    Vol. 512: 185–199, 2014 MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES Published October 9 doi: 10.3354/meps10949 Mar Ecol Prog Ser Contribution to the Theme Section ‘Trophodynamics in marine ecology’ FREEREE ACCESSCCESS Region-based MTI: resolving geographic expansion in the Marine Trophic Index K. Kleisner1,3,*, H. Mansour2,3, D. Pauly1 1Sea Around Us Project, Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada 2Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada 3Present address: NOAA, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA ABSTRACT: The Marine Trophic Index (MTI), which tracks the mean trophic level of fishery catches from an ecosystem, generally, but not always, tracks changes in mean trophic level of an ensemble of exploited species in response to fishing pressure. However, one of the disadvantages of this indicator is that declines in trophic level can be masked by geographic expansion and/or the development of offshore fisheries, where higher trophic levels of newly accessed resources can overwhelm fishing-down effects closer inshore. Here, we show that the MTI should not be used without accounting for changes in the spatial and bathymetric reach of the fishing fleet, and we develop a new index that accounts for the potential geographic expansion of fisheries, called the region-based MTI (RMTI). To calculate the RMTI, the potential catch that can be obtained given the observed trophic structure of the actual catch is used to assess the fisheries in an initial (usu- ally coastal) region. When the actual catch exceeds the potential catch, this is indicative of a new fishing region being exploited.
    [Show full text]
  • MARINE ECOLOGY – Marine Ecology - Carlos M
    MARINE ECOLOGY – Marine Ecology - Carlos M. Duarte MARINE ECOLOGY Carlos M. Duarte IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados, Esporles, Majorca, Spain Keywords: marine ecology, sea as an ecosystem, marine biodiversity, habitats, formation of organic matters, primary producers and respiration, organic matter transformations, marine food webs,marine ecosystem profiles, services provided, human alteration of marine ecosystems. Contents 1. Introduction: The Sea as an Ecosystem 2. Marine Biodiversity and Marine Habitats 3. Marine Ecology: Definition and Goals 4. The Formation and Destruction of Organic Matter in the Sea: Primary Producers and Respiration 5. Transformations of Organic Matter: The Structure and Dynamics of Marine Food Webs 6. External Drivers of the Function and Structure of Marine Food Webs 7. Profiles of Marine Ecosystems 7.1. Benthic Ecosystems 7.2. Pelagic Ecosystems 8. Services Provided by Marine Ecosystems to Society 9. Human Alteration of Marine Ecosystems Acknowledgments Glossary Bibliography Biographical Sketch Summary: The Ocean Ecosystem The ocean is the largest biome on the biosphere, and the place where life first evolved. Life in a viscous fluid, such as seawater, imposed particular constraints on the structure and functioning of ecosystems, impinging on all relevant aspects of ecology, including the spatialUNESCO and time scales of variabilit – y,EOLSS the dispersal of organisms, and the connectivity between populations and ecosystems. The ocean ecosystem contains a greater diversitySAMPLE of life forms than the terrestrial CHAPTERS ecosystem, even though the number of marine species is almost 100-fold less than that on land, and the discovery of new life forms in the ocean is an on-going process.
    [Show full text]
  • Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services, Science
    AR-024 species provide critical services to society (6), the role of biodiversity per se remains untested at the ecosystem level (1 4). We analyzed the Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on effects of changes in marine biodiversity on fundamental ecosystem services by combining available data from sources ranging from small­ Ocean Ecosystem Services scale experiments to global fisheries. 1 2 3 4 Experiments. We first used meta-analysis Boris Worm, * Edward B. Barbier, Nicola Beaumont, ). Emmett Duffy, 5 6 8 9 of published data to examine the effects of Carl Folke, • Benjamin S. Halpern/ jeremy B. C. ]ackson, • Heike K. Lotze/ Fiorenza Micheli/0 Stephen R. Palumbi/0 Enric Sala,8 Kimberley A. Selkoe/ variation in marine diversity (genetic or species John). Stachowicz,11 Reg Watson12 richness) on primary and secondary produc­ tivity, resource use, nutrient cycling, and eco­ system stability in 32 controlled experiments. Human-dominated marine ecosystems are experiencing accelerating loss of populations and species, with largely unknown consequences. We analyzed local experiments, long-term regional Such effects have been contentiously debated, time series, and global fisheries data to test how biodiversity loss affects marine ecosystem services particularly in the marine realm, where high across temporal and spatial scales. Overall, rates of resource collapse increased and recovery diversity and connectivity may blur any deter­ potential, stability, and water quality decreased exponentially with declining diversity. Restoration ministic effect of local biodiversity on eco­ of biodiversity, in contrast, increased productivity fourfold and decreased variability by 21%, on system functioning (1). Yet when the available average. We conclude that marine biodiversity loss is increasingly impairing the ocean's capacity to experimental data are combined (I 5), they reveal a strikingly general picture (Fig.
    [Show full text]
  • Evidence for Ecosystem-Level Trophic Cascade Effects Involving Gulf Menhaden (Brevoortia Patronus) Triggered by the Deepwater Horizon Blowout
    Journal of Marine Science and Engineering Article Evidence for Ecosystem-Level Trophic Cascade Effects Involving Gulf Menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) Triggered by the Deepwater Horizon Blowout Jeffrey W. Short 1,*, Christine M. Voss 2, Maria L. Vozzo 2,3 , Vincent Guillory 4, Harold J. Geiger 5, James C. Haney 6 and Charles H. Peterson 2 1 JWS Consulting LLC, 19315 Glacier Highway, Juneau, AK 99801, USA 2 Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3431 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA; [email protected] (C.M.V.); [email protected] (M.L.V.); [email protected] (C.H.P.) 3 Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia 4 Independent Researcher, 296 Levillage Drive, Larose, LA 70373, USA; [email protected] 5 St. Hubert Research Group, 222 Seward, Suite 205, Juneau, AK 99801, USA; [email protected] 6 Terra Mar Applied Sciences LLC, 123 W. Nye Lane, Suite 129, Carson City, NV 89706, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-907-209-3321 Abstract: Unprecedented recruitment of Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) followed the 2010 Deepwater Horizon blowout (DWH). The foregone consumption of Gulf menhaden, after their many predator species were killed by oiling, increased competition among menhaden for food, resulting in poor physiological conditions and low lipid content during 2011 and 2012. Menhaden sampled Citation: Short, J.W.; Voss, C.M.; for length and weight measurements, beginning in 2011, exhibited the poorest condition around Vozzo, M.L.; Guillory, V.; Geiger, H.J.; Barataria Bay, west of the Mississippi River, where recruitment of the 2010 year class was highest.
    [Show full text]
  • CHAPTER 5 Ecopath with Ecosim: Linking Fisheries and Ecology
    CHAPTER 5 Ecopath with Ecosim: linking fi sheries and ecology V. Christensen Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, Canada. 1 Why ecosystem modeling in fi sheries? Fifty years ago, fi sheries science emerged as a quantitative discipline with the publication of Ray Beverton and Sidney Holt’s [1] seminal volume On the Dynamics of Exploited Fish Populations. This book provided the foundation for how to manage fi sheries and was based on detailed, mathe- matical analyses of the dynamics of individual fi sh populations, of how they grow and how they are affected by fi shing. Fisheries science has developed and matured since then, and remarkably much of what has been achieved are modifi cations and further developments of what Beverton and Holt introduced. Given then that fi sheries science has developed to become one of the most data-rich, quantita- tive fi elds in ecology [2], how well has it fared? We often see fi sheries issues in the headlines and usually in a negative context and there are indeed many threats to the sustainability of ocean resources [3]. Many, judging not the least from newspaper headlines, consider fi sheries manage- ment a usual suspect in connection with fi sheries collapses. This may lead one to suspect that there is a problem with the science, but I hold this to be an erroneous conclusion. It should be stressed that the main problem is not to be found in the computational aspects of the science, but rather in how management advice actually is implemented in praxis [4]. The major force in fi sh- eries throughout the world is excessive fi shing capacity; the days with unexploited resources and untapped oceans are over [5], and the fi shing industry is now relying heavily on subsidies to keep the machinery going [6].
    [Show full text]
  • Isolation and Identification of Bioluminescent Bacteria in Squid and Water of Malaysia
    Int'l Journal of Advances in Agricultural & Environmental Engg. (IJAAEE) Vol. 1, Issue 2 (2014) ISSN 2349-1523 EISSN 2349-1531 Isolation And Identification Of Bioluminescent Bacteria In Squid And Water Of Malaysia Noor Aini Yaser1, Mohd Faiz Foong Abdullah2, Aslizah Mohd Aris3, Iwana Izni Zainudin3 also in marine ecosystem. Abstract— Bioluminescence is an emission of light that produce These bioluminescent bacteria reported belong to the class by chemical reaction of enzymatic activity and biochemical of the Gammaproteobacteria. Among the bioluminescent bacteria living organism. The most abundant and widely distributed light reported, 17 bioluminescent species were currently known [7]. emitting organism is luminous bacteria either found as free-living in The luminous bacteria were also classified into three genera the ocean or gut symbiont in the host. These sets of species are diversely spread in terrestrial environment, freshwater and also in which are Vibrio, Photobacterium and Xenorhabdus marine ecosystem. These species of bacteria emit blue-green light (Photorhabdus) and the species within the genus Vibrio and provoked by the enzyme luciferase and regulated by the lux gene Photobacterium are usually exist in marine environment and operon and emitted at 490 nm. Some of the uses of the Xenorhabdus belong to terrestrial environment. bioluminescence are as genetic reporters and biosensors. General Some of the natural important of the bioluminescence in microbiological techniques have been used to isolate bioluminescent nature is in attracting prey, camouflage, deterring predators bacteria from water samples and squid. The characterization of 6 isolates bioluminescent bacteria was conducted macroscopic and and in aiding in hunting [8]. microscopically and was further analyses at molecular level using Bioluminescence is the phenomenon that consists of light 16sDNA and sequenced for species identification.
    [Show full text]
  • Future of the Sea: Marine Biodiversity
    Future of the Sea: Marine Biodiversity Foresight – Future of the Sea Evidence Review Foresight, Government Office for Science Marine biodiversity The future of marine biodiversity and marine ecosystem functioning in UK coastal and territorial waters (including UK Overseas Territories) Frithjof C. Küpper & Nicholas A. Kamenos November 2017 This review has been commissioned as part of the UK government’s Foresight Future of the Sea project. The views expressed do not represent policy of any government or organisation. Marine biodiversity Contents Contents ..................................................................................................................................................3 Executive summary ................................................................................................................................5 1. Current trends and effects on UK interests ......................................................................................7 1.1 Biodiversity loss and implications for ecosystem functioning ...........................................................7 1.2 Ocean warming due to climate change ...........................................................................................7 1.3 Overexploitation ..............................................................................................................................8 1.4 Plastic pollution ...............................................................................................................................9 1.5 Invasive
    [Show full text]
  • Parameter Optimisations of a Marine Ecosystem Model in the Southern Ocean
    PARAMETER OPTIMISATIONS OF A MARINE ECOSYSTEM MODEL IN THE SOUTHERN OCEAN by Mehera Kidston A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy within the University of New South Wales, Australia 2010 i Abstract The Southern Ocean plays a central role in global biological production (Sarmiento et al., 2004). Quantifying the mechanisms that regulate magnitude and variability in plankton biomass in the Southern Ocean is a key challenge in understanding controls on global climate (Busalacchi, 2004). Numerical models are an integral means of understanding large scale views of seasonal plankton cycles (Fasham et al., 1990). Marine biogeochemical models are characterised by non-linear dynamics and the annual model trajectories are highly sensitive to the parameters used to run them. Experiments were performed to select a stochastic inverse method to objectively estimate the parameters of a simple four component nitrogen based mixed-layer marine ecosystem model for the Southern Ocean. Twin experiments using the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm and simulated annealing show that simulated annealing holds promise as a standard means of assigning the parameters of marine biogeochemical models in a way that improves the model agreement to available observations. SeaWiFS surface chlorophyll estimates in the Sub-Antarctic Zone show low concentrations south west of Tasmania and high concentrations south east of Tasmania. Simulated annealing was used to estimate the model parameters at two locations in the Sub-Antartic Zone (station P1 at 140 E , 46.5 S and station P3 at 152 E , 45.5 S ) through assimilation of SeaWiFS chlorophyll observations. Model parameter estimates were compared to in situ parameter estimates from the SAZ-Sense (Sub-Antarctic Zone Sensitivity to environmental change) project stations P1 and P3 in the austral summer of 2007.
    [Show full text]
  • Arctic Cold Seeps in Marine Methane Hydrate Environments:: Impacts on Shelf Macrobenthic Community Structure Offshore Svalbard
    Vol. 552: 1–18, 2016 MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES Published June 23 doi: 10.3354/meps11773 Mar Ecol Prog Ser OPENPEN ACCESSCCESS FEATURE ARTICLE Arctic cold seeps in marine methane hydrate environments: impacts on shelf macrobenthic community structure offshore Svalbard Emmelie K. L. Åström1,*, Michael L. Carroll1,2, William G. Ambrose Jr.1,3,4, JoLynn Carroll1,2 1CAGE – Centre for Arctic Gas hydrate, Environment and Climate, Department of Geology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway 2Akvaplan-niva, FRAM − High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, 9296 Tromsø, Norway 3Department of Biology, Bates College, Lewiston, Maine 04240, USA 4Division of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, Arlington, Virginia 22230, USA ABSTRACT: Cold seeps are locations where hydro- carbons emanate from the seabed, fueling chemo- autotrophic production that may support macrofaunal communities via chemosymbiosis or trophic inter- actions. The recent discovery of offshore sub-seabed gas reservoirs and venting methane at the seabed in Svalbard (75 to 79° N) provides the context to examine the influence of cold seeps on macrofaunal community structure in the high-Arctic. We compared benthic macrofaunal community structure from cold-seep environments and paired control stations from 3 re- gionally distinct areas along the western Svalbard margin and the western Barents Sea. Specialized seep-related polychaetes (e.g. siboglinid tubeworms) American plaice Hippoglossoides platessoides in a dense field of chemosymbiotic polychaetes at a Svalbard cold seep. were found at seep stations in the Barents Sea in high densities (up to 7272 ind. m−2). The presence of obli- Photo: CAGE gate seep-associated faunal taxa demonstrates that chemoautotrophic production, fueled by methane and sulfur, influences benthic communities at these seeps.
    [Show full text]
  • Marine Ecosystems and Fisheries
    MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND FISHERIES Balancing Ecosystem Sustainability and the Socio-Economics of Fisheries This Report Is Part Of The Ocean On The Edge Series Produced By The Aquarium Of The Pacific As Products Of Its National Conference—Ocean On The Edge: Top Ocean Issues, May 2009 2 MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND FISHERIES Ocean on the Edge: Top Ocean Issues Making Ocean Issues Come Alive for the Public The conference brought together leading marine scientists and engineers, policy-makers, film-makers, exhibit designers, informal science educators, journalists and communicators to develop a portfolio of models for communicating major ocean issues to the public. This report is one of a series of reports from that conference. The reports include: Coastal Hazards, Marine Ecosystems and Fisheries, Pollution in the Ocean, and Critical Condition: Ocean Health and Human Health. There is also a series of briefer reports on film-making, kiosk messaging design, and communicating science to the public. All reports are available at www.aquariumofpacific.org MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND FISHERIES 3 4 MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND FISHERIES Acknowledgements Support for the “Ocean on the Edge Confer- and Robert Stickney, PhD. Participants fluctu- ence: Top Ocean Issues” was provided by ated during the various workshop sessions. NOAA, the National Science Foundation, Corinne Monroe and Alexi Holford were Southern California Edison, SAVOR, the Long the rapporteurs. Contributors to this report Beach Convention Center, and the Aquarium who provided editorial comments were Mark of the Pacific. Helvey and Craig Heberer of NOAA and members of his staff. This report was facilitat- We are grateful to the Conference’s National ed by Corinne Monroe with assistance from Advisory Panel that provided valuable guid- Erica Noriega.
    [Show full text]
  • LESSON 1 Aquatic and Marine Ecosystem Connections
    4H347 Reviewed October 2017 LESSON 1 Aquatic and Marine Ecosystem Connections The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county’s UF/IFAS Extension office. U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension. Lesson 1: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystem Connections LESSON 1: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystem Connections OBJECTIVES: For youth to: PURPOSE: Describe and identify Florida’s aquatic/marine ecosystems. To become familiar with and differentiate between basic Describe the stages of the physical and biological factors common to all aquatic/ hydrologic cycle. marine systems. Discover the effects of abiotic factors on aquatic/marine ecosystems. Develop an understanding of energy flow and how food DO: chains function. Discover interrelationships Here are some learning activities and suggested ways to between living and nonliving implement the activities in Lesson 1. components of aquatic/marine 1.1 Discover and understand Florida's many diverse ecosystems. Identify stages of aquatic aquatic/marine ecosystems with WHAT'S AN succession. ECOSYSTEM? Describe ways in which humans 1.2 Learn how one critical factor affects different value and depend upon aquatic/marine ecosystems. ecosystem communities using SALT OR NO SALT, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? MATERIALS: Maps of Florida: 1 per 5-6 youth (a 1.3 Identify the stages of the hydrologic cycle with state highway map will work) WATER BASICS.
    [Show full text]