Chapter 1 - Marine Biology

scuba

(self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) The use of tanks of compressed air for breathing underwater.

theory

A body of observations and their experimental supports that have stood the test of time.

independent variable

A factor in a controlled experiment that is deliberately changed; also called manipulated variable.

What is a scientific hypothesis that has survived extensive testing and is generally accepted?

A theory

Which of the following best describes scientific method? A) A way to prove hypotheses correct B) A systematic means of observation and reasoning C) A method that relies on chance discoveries D) A method that proves educated guesses

A) A way to prove hypotheses correct B) A systematic means of observation and reasoning C) A method that relies on chance discoveries D) A method that proves educated guesses

A scientific theory has which of the following properties? A) It agrees with available evidence and all alternative hypotheses have been ruled out B) It cannot be rejected C) It has been absolutely proven D) It does not need to be altered in the light of new evidence

A) It agrees with available evidence and all alternative hypotheses have been ruled out

scientific method

The orderly pattern of gathering and analyzing information in science. Also, the set of procedures by which scientists learn about the world (fig. 1.21).

marine biology

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

oceanography

The study of the oceans and their phenomena, such as waves, currents, and tides.

experimental set

The trial set in an experiment that contains the experimental variable.

control set

The trial set in an experiment that does not contain the experimental variable.

The behavior of free-living sharks and whales can be studied by use of ___________________________.

crittercam

A testable hypothesis means that it must at least be possible to prove that the statement is _______________ .

false

Reasoning from isolated observations to general principles is called __________________.

induction

Science deals only with phenomena that can be __________________.

observed

To be considered scientific, a hypothesis must be ____________________.

testable

Such factors as temperature, food supply, depth, and so on, that could have an effect on natural processes are called ____________________.

variables

Which of the following could be a valid scientific hypothesis? A) Moray eels find their prey primarily by following chemical cues. B) All marine animals must have gills. C) It is immoral to keep dolphins in captivity. D) Dogs are superior in intelligence and swimming capabilities compared to seals.

A) Moray eels find their prey primarily by following chemical cues.

Which of the following is an underwater robotic system that allows for wide-ranging observations of the marine environment? A) ROV B) Critter cam C) Satellite D) Passive sonar system

A) ROV

experiment

An artificially created situation that is used to test a hypothesis. In a controlled experiment, additional variables that might affect the experiment are prevented from doing so.

controlled experiment

An experiment in which only one variable is changed

hypothesis

An explanation for observed events that can be tested by experiments A statement that might be true..

A scientific theory can be based upon an untested hypothesis. A) True B) False

B) False

Sonar is based on the use of radio waves to penetrate water and thus probe the depths of the oceans. A) True B) False

B) False

Automated floats such as the Argo system can be used to: A) Take pictures of whales and other diving mammals. B) Measure water temperature at 2,000 meters C) Forecast the tracks of hurricanes. D) Identify plankton from their DNA.

B) Measure water temperature at 2,000 m.

A marine biologist wishes to test the hypothesis that heavy grazing by snails causes the alga Ulva to stay short rather than grow upright. Which of the following variables could be manipulated successfully at the seashore to test this hypothesis? A) Add nutrients to the nearby ocean waters to see if the algae grow taller B) Put a small cage around the algae to keep snails from eating them and then see if the protected algae are taller than unprotected ones C) Change the light intensity to see if this causes the algae to stay short D) Redirect ocean waves to see if wave shock causes the algae to stay short

B) Put a small cage around the algae to keep snails from eating them and then see if the protected algae are taller than unprotected ones

An oceanographer might study which of the following? A) Heat tolerance of coastal barnacles B) The influence of the Loop Current on seasonal growth of open-sea algae C) Yearly oxygen production by salt marsh grasses D) How mole crabs burrow in sand.

B) The influence of the Loop Current on seasonal growth of open-sea algae

A swimmer sees a large blue jellyfish nearby. Jellyfishes are known to sting, so the swimmer moves away. The swimmer did which of the following? A) Used inductive reasoning B) Used deductive reasoning C) Constructed a theory D) Tested a hypothesis

B) Used deductive reasoning

Which of the following technologies allowed marine biologists to descend below the surface and observe marine organisms in their environment? A) Sound Navigation Ranging (SONAR) B) The Chronometer C) Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) D) Floating Instrument Platform (FLIP)

C) Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA)

Marine Biology can best be described as: A) The study of life B) The study of the marine environment C) The study of marine animals D) All of the above

D) All of the above

Modern biologists still might consult the results of the Challenger expedition in order to: A) Look at their charts of the South Pole. B) See the results of experiments in their on-board scientific laboratory. C) Consult Edward Forbes' reports on the fauna. D) Compare their deep-sea specimens with those taken by this expedition.

D) Compare their deep-sea specimens with those taken by this expedition.

Which new technology has advanced our understanding of large scale ocean features such as ocean currents? A) Marine labs B) ROVs C) AUVs D) Remote sensing

D) Remote sensing

New technology, such as AUVs, allows scientists to observe marine mammals in which situation? A) In captivity B) From the surface of the ocean only. C) From stranded or dead animals washed up on beaches D) Underwater in the open sea

D) Underwater in the open sea

_____________ means using general principles to make specific conclusions or predictions.

Deduction

experimental variable

In an experiment, the factor that is altered in the experimental group but not in the control group.

Who developed an apparatus to breathe compressed air under water?

Jacques Cousteau

deductive reasoning

Reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions.

inductive reasoning

Reasoning from specific observations to a general conclusion.

observational science

Science in which hypotheses are supported or denied on the basis of observations alone rather than controlled experiments.