Introduction to Marine Science

The world's oceans cover more than 70 per cent of the planet's surface and

contain 80 per cent of all life on Earth, yet humans have only ever explored

around 5 per cent of that space.

The ocean is the dominant physical feature on our planet

Ocean Literacy The Earth has one big ocean with

many features

Science and Marine Biology

• Oceans cover nearly 71% of the earth’s surface

• Oceans drive the various weather patterns

• The oceans supply a significant amount of food in the form of fish, shellfish, and seaweeds

• The oceans supply resources such as gas and oil

Study of the sea and its inhabitants

• Oceanography– Chemistry– Physics– Geology– Geography– Meteorology– Biology

Marine Biology

• The study of the living organisms that inhabit the seas and their interactions with each other and their environment

Purpose of Marine Biology: to make intelligent decisions about the ocean and the environment

• Stating the problem• Gathering information on the problem• Forming a hypothesis• Performing experiments to test the

hypothesis• Recording and analyzing data• Stating a conclusion• Repeating the work

The Scientific Method: scientific process skills

Stating the problem

• Identify the problem (or question)

• Make observations– Ex.: a lot of fish are found around artificial

reefs– Ask a question about the observation.– Ex.: Did the fish breed and grow on the

artificial reef or did they relocate there?

Gathering information on the problem

• Find facts based on prior research

Forming a hypothesis

• Once you have a question based on your observations and research, you form a possible answer to the question. This is called a hypothesis

• The hypothesis is the best explanation you can think of based on what you know so far. It is based on previous observations and tests.

Performing experiments to test the hypothesis

• Test the hypothesis. The way to do this is with an experiment or with a series of experiments.

Recording and analyzing data

• Organize your results.

• Analyze your results (data).– You are trying to confirm whether your results

support your hypothesis.– Data may support your hypothesis or the data

may refute your hypothesis.

Stating a conclusion

• Report results, procedures, and conclusions. This is the most critical step in the scientific method.– It’s important because it allows other

scientists to verify your work and conclusions.– It’s important because it allows other

scientists to build on what you have learned.

Hypothesis and Theories

• A hypothesis is sometimes called a scientific guess.– Based on observations and reasoning but has

little objective data to support it.

• A theory is a scientific explanation with objective data that support the explanation.– A hypothesis becomes a theory through

repeated experimentation and research.

History of Marine Biology

• Understanding the history of marine science is part of understanding how the oceans have shaped human society and how they may shape the future.

Marine Science began with sea exploration.

Conquest and trade motivated early explorers more than science or a desire for knowledge

History of marine science

Ancient uses and explorations: earliest known long-distance, open- ocean

voyages (between 2000 and 500 BC

The Middle Ages: The Chinese invented the

magnetic compass

First Scientific Explorations

• The first expeditions purely for science took place during the 1800’s

Voyages of discovery: The Wilkes Expedition; 1st expedition

launched by the United States

Darwin and the HMS Beagle

• 5 year voyage began in 1831• Charles Darwin, naturalist• Darwin spent the next 20 years examining the

data gathered on the expedition• Darwin proposed the theories of natural

selection and the evolution of species based on his examinations.

• He published his arguments, observations, and conclusions in 1859 in the book The Origin of Species

Advances in Technology

• Marine science advanced with advances in underwater technology in the 20th century

Modern science

Relationship between Science and Technology

• Science advances technology and technology advances science

• Technology is a material system that produces results.

Careers in Marine Biology

• Careers are built directly or indirectly on science and technology.– Do you have a passion for the ocean? Let your

passion set your direction. That’s how most people get the most satisfaction from a career.

– Volunteer at Estuarium, zoos, not-for-profit foundations…

– Interests in fish, undersea technology may lead to a degree in biology with a second degree in engineering.