Marine biology is the study of ocean life. It covers a wide range of topics, from the smallest marine organisms to the largest whales. Marine biologists study all aspects of ocean life, including the physical and chemical properties of seawater, the plants and animals that live in the oceans, and the interaction between humans and the marine environment.
The oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface and contain 97% of its water. They are home to a vast array of plant and animal life, including some that are found nowhere else on Earth. The oceans play a vital role in regulating our planet’s climate and weather patterns, and they provide us with food, energy, transportation routes, and recreation opportunities.
There are many different branches of marine biology. One branch focuses on studying how humans impact the ocean environment. This can include things like pollution (from oil spills or sewage), overfishing, or coastal development. Another branch focuses on studying specific groups of marine organisms, such as fish, corals, dolphins, or sharks. And still other branches focus on specific topics within marine biology such as fisheries science or oceanography (the study of waves and currents).
No matter what their specialty is, all marine biologists share a passion for understanding and protecting our planet’s oceans and the creatures that call them home.