Part 4: Biological Oceanography
Life in the Ocean
Biological oceanography studies marine organisms and their interactions with the ocean environment. From microscopic phytoplankton to giant whales, marine life forms complex ecosystems that drive global biogeochemical cycles and support fisheries.
Topics in This Part
4.1 Marine Ecosystems
Pelagic, benthic, coastal, and deep-sea ecosystems
4.2 Phytoplankton
Primary producers, blooms, nutrient limitation
4.3 Zooplankton
Grazers, vertical migration, copepods and krill
4.4 Nekton & Benthos
Fish, marine mammals, seafloor communities
4.5 Marine Food Webs
Trophic levels, energy transfer, microbial loop
4.6 Deep-Sea Life
Adaptations to pressure, darkness, chemosynthesis
Primary Production
$$\text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{light} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + \text{O}_2$$
~50 Gt C/yr
Marine primary production
~50%
Of global photosynthesis
~50%
Of Earth's oxygen