Articles for category: Marine Biology

Before the Skyscrapers, Singapore Was a Coral Reef Full of Prehistoric Mollusks

Before the Skyscrapers, Singapore Was a Coral Reef Full of Prehistoric Mollusks

Annette Uy

Imagine walking through the bustling streets of Singapore today, surrounded by shimmering towers and the constant hum of city life. It’s hard to believe that beneath these concrete giants lies a story even grander—one shaped not by humans, but by the wild wonders of ancient nature. Long before Marina Bay Sands and the Supertree Grove, ...

Tongue-eating-louse on Snapper.

The Real-Life Facehugger: This Parasite Replaces a Fish’s Tongue

Trizzy Orozco

If you thought science fiction had a monopoly on horrifying creatures, think again. Deep beneath the ocean’s surface lurks an animal so bizarre, it puts movie monsters to shame. Imagine opening a fish’s mouth and, instead of a tongue, finding a living, wriggling parasite staring back at you. This is no alien invader—this is Cymothoa ...

waves in the ocean

How Ocean Acidification Affects Marine Life

Jan Otte

As one of the most pressing environmental issues, ocean acidification is often overshadowed by other climate change phenomena. However, its implications for marine life and ecosystems cannot be overstated. Ocean acidification refers to the reduction in the pH of the Earth’s oceans, primarily due to uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This process ...

dolphin

The Role of Marine Biology in Climate Change Research

Jan Otte

Marine biology, the study of life in oceans and seas, plays a crucial role in understanding climate change. The vast, interconnected marine ecosystems are vital in regulating our planet’s climate, making marine biology a pivotal field in climate research. In this article, we delve into how marine biology contributes to climate change research, exploring various ...

The Role of Plankton in the Marine Food Chain

Anna Lee

Plankton are an array of tiny organisms that drift in water bodies, serving as a vital component of aquatic ecosystems. Despite their minuscule size, they play a disproportionally significant role in the marine food chain. The collective power of plankton is pivotal not only for marine life but also for global ecological balance and climate ...

Devil's Kettle Falls.

The Devil’s Kettle Mystery: Where Does This Waterfall Disappear To?

Trizzy Orozco

If you ever find yourself wandering the wild, untamed forests of northern Minnesota, you might stumble upon a place so strange, so inexplicable, that it feels plucked from the pages of a fantasy novel. Here, in the heart of Judge C.R. Magney State Park, roars a waterfall that has baffled scientists and enchanted adventurers for ...

school of fish beside coral

The Relationship Between Global Warming and Coral Bleaching

Maria Faith Saligumba

Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea” due to their immense biodiversity. These underwater ecosystems are built by tiny animals called coral polyps, which form symbiotic relationships with algae known as zooxanthellae. The algae are crucial for coral health, providing nutrients through photosynthesis. Coral reefs not only support a wide ...

Sacculina carcini.

This Parasitic Barnacle Castrates Crabs and Then Controls Their Bodies

Trizzy Orozco

Picture a world where a tiny invader slips quietly into another creature’s body, hijacks its mind, and takes over its life in ways that seem almost supernatural. This isn’t the plot of a sci-fi thriller—it’s the shocking reality for thousands of crabs living along coastlines worldwide. Their tormentor? A parasitic barnacle named Sacculina, whose twisted ...

Southern Quahog

Why Rhode Island’s Quahogs Have More Personality Than You’d Expect

Maria Faith Saligumba

Have you ever looked at a pile of clams and wondered if they’re hiding secrets beneath their shells? In the briny waters of Rhode Island, the humble quahog—yes, that thick-shelled clam beloved in chowder—has a story that’s rich with surprises. These seemingly silent creatures are bursting with quirks, unexpected behaviors, and a resilience that puts ...