MASC 456: Deep Sea Biology

Environmental characteristics (Physical environment of the deep sea. Organisms of the deep sea, zonation patterns and distribution of deep seas organisms. Adaptations of deep-sea organisms.  Metabolic processes of deep-sea organisms. Transport of food to the deep oceans. Life in hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. Use of submersibles in sampling. The diversity gradient. Zoogeography, speciation and the origin of the deep-sea. Food resources, energetics and feed strategies. Mineral resources.