Clark College, Biology 144

1. Understand geological processes as they influence the shape and physical properties of ocean basins, coastlines, and islands.
2. Understand the relationship between the chemical structure of water, how it influences the physical properties of water, and subsequent effects on life in the ocean.
3. What causes wind waves, tsunamis, tides and currents. What causes upwelling and why is it important?
4. Understand depth gradients and their individual effects on marine life. How do light, temperature, and nutrients interact and why is it important?
5. Contrast asexual vs. sexual reproduction, ectotherms vs. endotherms. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each condition?
6. What are the basic characteristics of bacteria, cyanobacteria, ameboids, diatoms, and dinoflagellates? Why are these organisms important? Understand the similarities and differences between red tides and ciguatera. Explain why plants in marine systems are small in size when compared to terrestrial systems.
7. Contrast sponges and cnidarians.

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