Oceanography Definition – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
Supernova
answer
large nuclear explosion
question
Nebula
answer
theory that the solar system's current form, with planets orbiting the sun, began with a large cloud of hydrogen and helium.
question
Nebular Theory
answer
the solar system originated as a nebula.
question
Accretion
answer
the process by which small particles clump together because of gravity.
question
Density stratification
answer
formed the layers of the Earth.
question
Orpheus theory
answer
a planet size body possibly another planet about 1/3 the size of Earth struck during its early development and sent some of its material into orbit, forming the moon.
question
Amino Acids
answer
The component molecules that living systems use to build protein.
question
Abiogenesis
answer
origination of life from nonliving matter. also referred to as Spontaneous Generation.
question
heterotrophs
answer
organisms that rely on consuming compounds to obtain chemical energy.
question
Autotrophs
answer
can create organic chemical energy compounds from inorganic compounds and an external energy source.
question
Mitochondria
answer
structures within cells that process oxygen as they use energy.
question
Pelagic Zone
answer
water portion; divided into 2 horizontal zones neritic and oceanic.
question
Benthic Zone
answer
the seafloor; subdivided littoral and nental. Divided based on depth.
question
Neritic Zone
answer
water area between the low tide mark to the edge of the continetal shelf.
question
Oceanic Zone
answer
open water area; further divided into vertical regions the epipelagic, mesopelagic, bathypelagic, abyssalpelagic, and hadalpelagic.
question
Epipelagic Zone
answer
top layer that sunlight penetrates.
question
Mesopelagic Zone
answer
Sunlight reaches but not strong enough to support much life.
question
Bathypelagic Zone
answer
deep water in open ocean.
question
Abyssalpelagic Zone
answer
even deeper water in ocean trenches.
question
Hadalpelagic Zone
answer
the deeper water in the ocean trenches.
question
Supralittoral Zone
answer
Water splashes but doesnt remain submerged.
question
Littoral Zone
answer
bottom area between the high tide and low tide mark that is sometimes submerged and sometimes above water.
question
Sublittoral Zone
answer
ocean bottom close to shore.
question
Outer Sublittoral Zone
answer
Ocean bottom out to the edge of the continental shelf.
question
Bathyal Zone
answer
the bottom along the continental slope down to the deep open ocean bottom.
question
Abyssal Zone
answer
Deep open ocean bottom.
question
Hadal Zone
answer
the deepest zone, areas below 6,000 meters.
question
Deep Sea Floor
answer
the Bathyal Zone, Abyssal Zone, and Hadal Zone.
question
Plankton
answer
a group of plants and animals that exist adrift in ocean currents. Most plankton are very small or microscopic and cant swim against currents and waves. They are the most important organisms without plankton most life would die.
question
Nekton
answer
marine organisms; organisms that swim, from small invertebrates to large whales. Most of the seas predators are nekton. The majority of vertebrates are nekton.
question
Benthos
answer
organisms that live on or in the bottom. can move about or be sessile.
question
Sessile
answer
organisms are attached, like sea anemones, barncles, and sea fans.
question
Neuston
answer
plankton that float at the surface. Ex: Portuguese Man of War.
question
Epifauna
answer
Ex:crabs; they live on the seafloor.
question
Epiflora
answer
plants such as seagrass; that live on the sea floor.
question
Infauna
answer
organisms that are partially or completely buried in the sea floor.
question
Deposit Feeders
answer
feed off detritus drifting down from above.
question
Suspension Feeders
answer
filter particles (mostly plankton) suspended in the water for food.
