Benthic Communities

Explore the diverse world of benthic communities in this comprehensive 55-minute lecture. Dive into the distribution of organisms across various marine environments, from rocky shores to deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Examine the unique adaptations and zonation patterns of intertidal organisms, including those found in spray zones, tide zones, and mussel beds. Investigate the physical characteristics and inhabitants of sediment-covered shores, sandy beaches, and mud flats. Learn about kelp distribution and shallow offshore ocean floor communities. Delve into the fascinating world of coral reefs, their development conditions, symbiotic relationships, and the challenges they face, such as bleaching and diseases. Discover the unique ecosystems of the deep ocean floor, including hydrothermal vents and their chemosynthetic communities. Gain insights into the importance of these diverse benthic habitats and their role in marine ecosystems.

Chapter 15 Lecture
Distribution of Benthic Organisms
Communities on Rocky Shores
Spray Zone
High Tide Zone
Middle Tide Mussel Bed and Sea Star
Middle Tide Zone
Low Tide Zone
Physical Environment of Sediment-Covered Shores
Intertidal Zonation and Common Organisms
Sandy Beach Organisms and Adaptations
Mud Flats
Kelp Distribution
Rocky Bottom Shallow Offshore Ocean Floor Communities
Coral Reef Distribution
Conditions for Coral Reef Development
Symbiosis of Coral and Algae
Coral Reefs • Other reef animals with symbiotic relationships • Mixotrophs - derive part of nutrition from algae - Include coral, foraminifers, sponges, and mollusks
Coral Reef Zonation
Importance of Coral Reefs
Coral Reefs and Nutrient Levels
Coral Bleaching and Other Diseases
Normal and Bleached Coral
Coral Reefs in Decline
Deep-Ocean Floor Communities
Deep Ocean Physical Environment
Deep Ocean Food Sources and Species Diversity
Food Sources for Deep-Sea Organisms
Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Biocommunities
Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Communities
Locations of Hydrothermal Vent Communities
Hydrothermal Vent Species
Chemosynthesis vs. Photosynthesis
Life Span of Hydrothermal Vents
Hydrothermal Vents and the Origins of Life
Low-Temperature Seep Biocommunities
Beneath the Sea Floor