Everything from whales to microscopic organisms, and everything else in between, can become a specialization. Research projects are at the heart of what most marine biologists do, whether it be actually collecting specimens in the field, compiling research data, finding real life applications for the research data, or classroom teaching.
Marine biology is a learning and research field and is an umbrella term that houses many specializations. In a nutshell, marine biologists study a variety of organisms and ecosystems in the ocean and other saltwater environments. While jobs for marine biologists can vary from place to place, the following list includes some general responsibilities:.
There are many careers that a marine biologist can branch into. The following are a few examples:. Marine Biotechnologist A variety of products can be derived or developed from marine animals and plants. This is the specialized area of marine biotechnology, which also includes aquaculture where aquatic organisms are grown for food, fuel, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Marine biotechnology applications can be quite diverse and can range from extracting new cancer treatments to seaweed farming.
Scientists trained in marine biology, microbiology, chemistry, genomics and bioinformatics are sought out to work for new pharmaceutical companies that concentrate on developing new drugs from marine resources.
Marine biotechnology can be described as making practical and effective use of marine macro- or microorganisms to make products, technologies, and processes available. It covers areas such as health, aquaculture, cosmetics, industrial products and processes, food supplement, feed, and plant protection. Oceanographer Oceanography can be separated into four distinct areas - biological, physical, chemical, and geological. Each type of oceanographer has different job duties and work environments:.
Biological oceanographers examine plants, microbes and animals and review how ocean contamination can affect marine species. They are similar to marine biologists in that they look at life forms and ecosystems, however they also study how external factors impact life forms in the oceans.
Their main focus is relationships in the ocean. For example, they will research things like thermal vents and the ecology of life around them, or study the chemical effect that subaquatic earthquakes can have on an ocean's makeup and on the lifeforms that rely on it. Biological oceanographers will also look at external factors such as storms, trade winds, El Nino, atmospheric pressure, temperature fluctuation etc. Physical oceanographers focus on understanding ocean circulation patterns and fluid motion by studying the ocean's attributes temperature, salinity, waves, currents and tides.
Physical oceanography can be divided into descriptive and dynamical physical oceanography. Descriptive physical oceanography is research of the ocean through observations and complex numerical models which try to describe the fluid motions as precisely as possible.
Dynamical physical oceanography specifically looks at the processes that control the motion of fluids, mainly with theoretical research and numerical models.
Chemical oceanographers look at the chemical composition of the ocean and its interaction with the environment. They study it's acidity and try to understand how the biology and ecology of an ocean might be altered based on a changing chemical profile many plants and animals don't do well in certain acidities and cannot flourish when seawater is too acidic or not acidic enough. When an ocean's chemical composition becomes too unbalanced, it can have an extreme effect on the ecology.
Geological oceanographers or geophysical oceanographers research the ocean floor and use geophysical technologies to examine the makeup of the ocean bedrock and the processes of rock movement. Many work in fossil fuel prospecting searching for new oil and gas pockets , understanding how subaquatic tectonic plates work, mapping and dating rock formations, surveying ocean geological features, or in ensuring sustainability of our ocean floors protecting them from human activity such as mining.
Aquarist Aquarists care for marine life in aquariums by feeding and observing them and by maintaining their living environments. This career often requires a great deal of physical activity and time spent under water. Aquarists are in charge of keeping the water and tanks clean and at the right temperature, and sometimes fixing damaged equipment. They often have hands-on interactions with the fish and other underwater creatures in order to detect any indication of injury or illness being a certified diver is typically a prerequisite and they capture sick animals so they can be seen by a veterinarian.
Aquarists may also provide presentations to educate the public or design exhibits for the aquarium. Advances in technology, combined with demand, will improve our ability to derive food, drinking water, energy sources, waste disposal, and transportation from the ocean. It will be up to this and future generations to build upon our existing knowledge of the ocean and its potential to help meet the needs of the world and its inhabitants.
The Institute is dedicated to innovative research, university education, and public outreach. Undergraduate courses offer students practical experience in both the laboratory and field. Research projects are the main focus of marine biologists, which include collecting specimens at sea, compiling data, and undertaking laboratory-based experiments.
Key areas of research include migration patterns, underwater photosynthesis and the impact of human activity on coral reefs. Typical responsibilities include planning experiments and using tracking technology, recording and using specialist computer software to aid with interpreting data from biological processes, as well as writing research papers and reports. Marine biologists need patience and determination along with excellent problem-solving skills to find solutions to challenges whilst out on the ocean.
They often also need practical skills such as boat handling, scuba diving and first aid knowledge. Meticulous attention to detail along with team working and interpersonal skills are also essential to ensuring success in the field.
Research Skills. Marine biologists must be able to conduct successful research. Therefore, they need to complete a literature review, plan a research question, design the study, collect and analyse data, and publish results. Which list is more persuasive? If you would not like to be a marine biologist, are there other related scientific fields that interest you more? It's never too early to start thinking about what you'd like to be when you grow up! Did you get it?
Test your knowledge. What are you wondering? Wonder Words vast next globe title perk data broad brackish aquatic mammal analyst aspect estuary specialized ichthyologist hydrologist oceanographer zoology Take the Wonder Word Challenge.
Join the Discussion. Mizumi May 16, I want to be a marine bioligist when I grow up. I was exited to see this wonder. Thank you Hannah! May 16, Shannon Blum Feb 7, It is funny that this popped up. Ever since I was little and saw the movie, Dolphin Tale I have always wanted to be a marine biologist.
My career hopes change all the time, but a marine biologist has always stayed on the list. Feb 8, Oct 15, Paige Jan 24, I was looking into Marine biology and I want to study sharks and turtles.
What kind of Marine Biology is that? Jan 29, Abraham Sep 26, Hi, i'm a marine biology student. Sep 26, That's great, Abraham! What do you like best about marine biology? Savannah May 25, If you were a marine biologist would you most likely have to study on one animal? Second how much would you get paid per hour having your PhD.
May 27, Kaitlynn Jan 4, I've wanted to be a marine biologist ever since I heard of it. This article really helps me with that! Jan 5, We're glad it was helpful! Being a Marine Biologist would be a fun job! Olin Dec 14, I wonder if I could possibly be a marine biologist when I grow up I'm 12 years old and I've seen allot of the ocean and I want to deep sea dive like them. Dec 14, Maddie Dec 12, Hi Wonderopolis!
I was just looking through wonders when I found this as a topic. I want to be a marine biologist because under the sea things are so interesting to me! My favorite animal is one: a seahorse Dec 14, Samantha Dec 8, I looked up this Wonder thinking, "Maybe, just maybe, i'll learn more about it? But the sad thing is I didn't learn anything new.
But I am encouraged to research more about. Thank you.
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