Become a Marine Biologist, Just for the Halibut!
By: Tess
| What courses should you take to pursue your career as a Marine
Biologist? In high school and in the beginning years at a college or university, you should take some courses in biology, botany, chemistry, ecology, fish biology, marine mammalogy, and conservation courses. In your process of choosing your college, you should consider the colleges and universities that have a strong marine biology program so that you may have the best experience possible, while receiving your Bachelor degree. It is also helpful if you have your scuba certification and a boating license, so that you may go on excursions to the ocean to conduct your research. |
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| What do marine biologist do in the deep sea? Some marine biologists work in the deep sea, which is the marine environment that lies below the level of effective light penetration. Benthos refers to the organisms that live in, on, or near the bottom, including plants, invertebrates, and fish of all sizes. In order to get to the bottom dwelling animals for their research, scientists use a Van Grab. This instrument is lowered over the side of the boat and scoops up sediment when its two heavy steel jaws close upon impact with the bottom. It is incredible what researchers have found in their studies. |
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What have marine biologist found in their
studies of the deep sea and the organisms that live in it? How many organisms on average are living in a square meter of the bottom? The Gulf area of Florida, reported an average of 30,633 organisms per square meter of sediment! With these discoveries, researchers have found that benthic organisms break down organic material, consume phytoplankton, and most are filter feeders. Since food is scarce, fish have larger eyes so they have the maximum ability to collect light in the deep. They also have larger mouths and teeth than most fish to guarantee that whatever is caught, won’t escape. These discoveries demonstrate how an organism can adapt to the unique characteristics of their environment. |
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