Marine Biology

An individual who works in marine Biology may pursue specific niches in ocean studies. One marine biologist may study elements found in the ocean, whereas another may prefer studying ocean currents and their effects on living organisms, or vice versa. No matter what their respective niches, all marine biologists possess passions for the study and preservation of oceanic environments. Furthermore, marine biologists seek to educate the public, usually regarding the impact that human activity has on nearby bodies of water and the marine life dwelling there.

The study of marine biology requires individuals to focus heavily on science and mathematics. Many marine biologists work in labs to analyze samples of minerals and other elements found in oceanic bodies of water, which means that they must understand lab science and the mathematics necessary to perform complex calculations. Therefore, it is imperative for budding marine biologists to study math and science as early in their academic careers as possible, ensuring that they meet the prerequisites for marine biology courses. Science is not for everyone, so individuals should take the demanding nature of the field into account.

One common misconception about marine biologists is that they study all forms of ocean life, including mammals, but this is not always the case. The study of marine mammals like whales, manatees, seals, and dolphins usually falls to zoologists who place emphasis on studying marine animals. Some marine biologists may also choose to study fish and marine mammals, but most marine biologists limit themselves to studying the ocean in general, pinpointing its significant contributions to human life, the environment, and marine ecology in general.

Preservation is an important aspect of marine biology. Marine biologists may not study all forms of marine life, but they value their contributions to the underwater ecosystem and understand that conditions in the water may lead to problems for fish and marine mammals. For instance, a marine biologist may conduct studies off-shore to determine the toxicity levels in the water if the volume of marine life in that area have been dwindling. Protecting the ocean is a prominent concern, particularly in seaside countries that rely on fishing for income and food, making marine biologists indispensable in the event of disturbances in oceanic ecosystems.