MARINE BIOLOGY
MARINE BIOLOGY
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781259880032
Author: CASTRO
Publisher: RENT MCG
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Chapter 15, Problem 1CT
Summary Introduction

To explain: The mechanisms that might allow a species to maintain its characteristic distribution.

Introduction: There are three main ecological categories of organisms present in both fresh water and marine ecosystems. These are plankton, nekton, and benthos. The organisms that actively float on water are known as plankton. For example, fish, crabs, and sea stars.

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Explanation of Solution

The mechanisms that might allow a species to maintain its characteristic distribution are as follows:

  • The physical and chemical characteristics of water masses, such as temperature, nutrients, and salinity limit the horizontal or geographic distribution of plankton.
  • Gyre systems do not mix with surrounding masses. However, it shows little mixing with surrounding masses. In these masses and other masses, planktons are uniformly distributed.
  • Biotic factors such as limitations of food and predation may influence the patchy pattern of distribution.

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Plankton are unable to swim effectively and drift about at the mercyof the currents. You might think that the currents would scatterplanktonic organisms throughout the oceans, but many species arerestricted to particular regions. What mechanisms might allow a species to maintain its characteristic distribution
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