Marine Ecology

Recommended Prerequisites

Although not mandatory, the previous attendance of Vetebrate Biology and Invertebrate Biology classes is suggested. The course is lectured in Portuguese, so that a good domain of this language is required.

Teaching Methods

The theoretical classes will be presented in power-point and oriented to stimulate the discussion about the different aspects of Estuarine Ecology. Several scientific articles will be presented that students should discuss in class. On field trips, students will collect material (sediments, water, plankton, benthos, macroalgae, fish) that they will analyze in practical classes.

Learning Outcomes

This discipline combines knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, hydrology, modeling, marine biology and ecology, creating a holistic synthesis, making it a fundamental discipline in the area of Marine Sciences and Technologies.
The objectives of this discipline are the acquisition of knowledge/skills that allow:
1) understand the basic components and the main biogeochemical cycles;
2) understand the importance of larval cycles and the main life cycles;
3) understand the importance of planktonic and nektonic communities in the marine environment;
4) Understand the importance of coastal and deep sea communities;
5) Understand the importance of estuarine communities;
6) Understand the importance of polar and tropical communities;
7) Understand the importance of anthropogenic impact on the marine environment.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Marine Environment
2. Principles of Marine Ecology (ecosystem components, biogeochemical cycles)
3. Larval ecology (larval types and strategies, life cycles)
4. Planktonic communities (phytoplankton, zooplankton)
5. Nektonic communities (nekton composition, buoyancy, locomotion, sensory systems, life cycles)
6. Epipelagic oceanic system (characteristics, trophic chains)
7. Deep-sea ecology (light, pressure, temperature, oxygen, bioluminescence, benthic communities, hydrothermal vents)
8. Subtidal coastal communities (unconsolidated substrates, rocky substrates, kelp forests, marine phanerogamic communities)
9. Intertidal ecology (rocky substrate, sandy substrate, muddy substrate)
10. Estuarine ecology (characteristics, organisms, productivity, marshes)
11. Tropical ecology (coral reef, mangrove forests)
12. Polar ecology (characteristics, trophic chains)
13. Anthropogenic impacts on marine environment (fisheries, aquaculture, pollution, global warming)

Head Lecturer(s)

Miguel Ângelo do Carmo Pardal

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 40.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

IPCC 2023. Summary for Policymakers. Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland
Duffy J. E. 2021. Ocean Ecology: Marine Life in the Age of Humans. Princeton University Press, 444p
Speight M. R., Henderson P.A. 2010. Marine Ecology - Concepts and Applications, John Wiley and Sons
Oakenfold S. 2018. Marine Biology: Biodiversity and Zoology. Syrawood Publishing House, 238p.
Xavier JC et al 2020. Crustacean guide for predator studies in the Southern Ocean.Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, Cambridge,
UK, 253 pages
Levinton, J. 2021. Marine biology: function, biodiversity, ecology. Oxford University Press, UK, 608p.
Zacharias, M. & Ardron, J. 2020. Marine Policy: An introduction to governance and International Law of the Oceans. Routledge, New York
325 pp
Barnes RSK, Hughes RN 1999. An introduction to marine ecology (3rd edition). John Wiley & Sons
List of other selected papers, updasted each year, including case studies and reviews.