3 Terms
Contributors in Marine biology
Marine biology
Nutrient cycling
Biology; Marine biology
The pattern of transfer of nutrients between the components of a food web.
Introduced species
Biology; Marine biology
An organism that has been brought into an area, usually by humans, where it does not normally occur. Introduced species often compete with and cause problems for native species. Introduced species ...
Microbenthos
Biology; Marine biology
Benthic organisms (animals or plants) whose shortest dimension is less than 0.1 mm.
Decomposer
Biology; Marine biology
An organism which gains energy by breaking down the final remains of living things. Predominantly bacteria and fungi, decomposers are important in freeing the last of minerals and nutrients from ...
Autotroph
Biology; Marine biology
An organism that synthesises organic molecules from inorganic starting materials through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Autotrophs are ecologically important as primary producers as they ...
Heterotroph
Biology; Marine biology
An organism that is unable to synthesise organic compounds (and thus its energy) from the environment and therefore fulfils its energy requirements by feeding on other organisms or organic matter.
Detrivore
Biology; Marine biology
An organism that feeds on large bits of dead and decaying organic matter. What detrivores leave behind is used by decomposers. Crabs and seabirds are examples of detrivores.
