Marine Organisms - 1 Video Lecture | Environment for UPSC CSE

Ans. Marine organisms play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. They contribute to the overall health of the oceans by providing food and habitat for other organisms, cycling nutrients, and participating in various ecological processes. Additionally, marine organisms have economic importance as they are a source of food, medicines, and other valuable resources.

Ans. Marine organisms have evolved a wide range of adaptations to survive and thrive in their marine environment. Some examples include: - Streamlined bodies and fins for efficient swimming. - Gills or specialized respiratory structures for extracting oxygen from water. - Camouflage or color-changing abilities to blend with their surroundings. - Bioluminescence for communication or attracting prey. - Ability to withstand high pressure and low temperatures in deep-sea environments.

Ans. There is a vast diversity of marine organisms, including: - Fish such as sharks, rays, and clownfish. - Invertebrates like corals, jellyfish, and sea stars. - Mammals like dolphins, whales, and seals. - Reptiles such as sea turtles and marine iguanas. - Microorganisms like phytoplankton and zooplankton. - Plants such as seaweeds and seagrasses.

Ans. Marine organisms play a fundamental role in the global food web as both primary producers and consumers. Phytoplankton, for example, are microscopic marine plants that perform photosynthesis and serve as the foundation of marine food chains. They are consumed by zooplankton, which are then eaten by small fish, leading to a cascade of predator-prey relationships. Ultimately, larger predatory fish, marine mammals, and even humans rely on marine organisms for their sustenance.

Ans. Human activities have significant impacts on marine organisms. Pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change pose major threats to their survival. Pollution, including oil spills and plastic waste, can directly harm marine organisms and disrupt their ecosystems. Overfishing can deplete fish populations, leading to imbalances in marine food webs. Habitat destruction, such as coral reef degradation, can result in the loss of crucial habitats for countless marine species. Climate change, with rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, further adds stress to marine organisms, affecting their growth, reproduction, and overall health.