Marine Biology

2 Pages 587 Words

In the world of science, you might ask yourself ..."what is a marine biologist?", or " what does it really take to become a marine biologist?". This research may seem dull to many, but it involves understanding how the functioning of individuals can be connected to population changes.
An example of this is to study how the feeding and burrowing activities of marine clams, worms, and other sediment-eating animals affects the environment by helping break down organic matter, stirring and oxygenating the sediment, thus controlling the particles in the sediment. Another field of interest is, how filter feeding oysters and mussels affect their ecosystem by rapid filtration of the water column; filtering of such creatures is very efficient and inland waters can be stripped totally clean of food particles. The effects of pollution on marine bottom populations can be devastating, particularly with regards to resistance to toxic substances. Often a toxic pollutant will kill all but a few organisms, who are genetically distinct and resistant to the substance. These organisms reproduce, leading to a genetically resistant strain. This can be bad because such individuals may concentrate a toxic substance and transfer it up the food chain, sometimes to be eventually eaten by people.

Becoming a marine biologist...
These days the college route is essential, but don't feel that you have to go to a school that specializes in marine biology. Find a college that is first rate in science. In the summer of your junior year or senior year make sure that you get a summer job or take a course in a marine lab. This will do more for you than any 5 marine biology courses in college. After college your marine biology education will be acquired in graduate school. If you wish to become a technician a Masters degree will do, but a Ph.D. is essential to become an independent scholar who can supervise research projects and (or) be a well placed official in...