Marine ecology
6 questions tagged Marine ecology — spanning every one of the seven Ws.
What is the mesopelagic zone?
The mesopelagic zone is the ocean layer from about 200 to 1,000 meters below the surface. It is often called the twilight zone because sunlight is faint there.
When were sea otters first recognized as a keystone species?
Sea otters were recognized as a keystone species in the 1960s, especially through the work of Robert Paine. The concept helped explain how one species can shape an entire ecosystem.
What is an eelgrass bed?
An eelgrass bed is a seagrass habitat made of flowering marine plants that grow in shallow coastal waters.
Why do cleaner wrasse swim into larger fish’s mouths?
Cleaner wrasse remove parasites, dead tissue, and mucus from other fish. Many larger fish tolerate the behavior because it provides a useful cleaning service.
What is a coral reef fish nursery?
A coral reef fish nursery is a sheltered reef habitat where young fish grow before moving to deeper or more open waters.
When was the first known marine snow observation made?
Marine snow was observed and described in the 20th century as scientists explored the deep ocean. It refers to falling particles of organic matter sinking from surface waters.