Introduction to Marine Biology

The Science of Marine Biology a.Marine biology is the science of biology applied to the sea.

b. All the disciplines of biology are represented in Marine Science Chemical Biology Zoology  the study of animals Behavioral Biology

c. The history of Marine Archeologists have found piles of shell, the remains of ancient “clambakes” dating back to the Stone Age. Fish hooks have been found made of bone

Tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh bears a warning not to eat a puffer, a kind of poisonous fish.

Aristotle (Greek philosopher) was considered to be the first marine biologist. –Described many forms of marine life –Recognized that gills are the breathing apparatus of fish

Knowledge of the ocean and its organisms developed as people gained skills in seamanship and navigation –1768  James Cooked explored all the oceans of the world in three great voyages First navigator to use a chronometer (instrument allows one to determine their position and to create accurate charts) First to include full-time naturalist on board

Charles Darwin The most famous shipboard naturalist 1831  sailed around the world on the HMS Beagle

Charlie Darwin (cont’d) Proposed a theory for the formation of ATOLLS (distinctive rings of coral reef) Was able to collect “plankton” –Tiny floating/drifting animals

SONAR SOund NAvigation Ranging –Developed during WWII –Based on the detection of underwater echoes

SONAR (cont’d)