Articles for category: Marine Biology

Jawless Fish: The Ancient Outliers

Technically, There’s No Such Thing as a Fish — Taxonomically Speaking

Annette Uy

Picture this: you’re standing in an aquarium, marveling at the graceful movements of sharks, the colorful display of tropical fish, and the ancient-looking coelacanth in its special tank. What if I told you that, according to modern science, none of these creatures belong to a legitimate taxonomical group called “fish”? It sounds absurd, doesn’t it? ...

Greenland Shark migratory marine animal

The Deadliest Predators of the Sea: Beyond Sharks and Whales

Trizzy Orozco

The oceans cover more than 70% of our planet, teeming with life and mystery. When we think about deadly predators lurking in the depths, sharks and whales often come to mind. However, the sea hosts an array of fearsome and effective hunters beyond these giants. Delve with us into the fascinating world of oceanic creatures ...

Colorful fish and aquatic plants on a coral.

The Growing Role of Aquatic Plants in Combatting Ocean Pollution

Trizzy Orozco

Pollution in our oceans has reached alarming levels, impacting marine ecosystems and threatening the planet’s biodiversity. Yet, amid this crisis, aquatic plants emerge as unexpected allies. These remarkable organisms offer promising solutions for mitigating pollution and revitalizing marine habitats. From nutrient absorption to habitat restoration, aquatic plants provide vital ecosystem services that help clean our ...

The Ancient Shark Teeth of Mississippi: Why Scientists Are Digging Deep into the State’s Fossil History

Trizzy Orozco

Sharks have long captivated the imagination with their formidable presence and ancient lineage. But far from the dramatic coastlines, deep in the heart of Mississippi, lies a treasure trove for scientists: fossilized shark teeth that offer a window into the prehistoric world. This intriguing paleontological story unfolds in a state not typically associated with maritime ...

Washington Orcas Shift Routes

Washington Orcas Shift Routes

Andrew Alpin

The iconic black and white whales of the Pacific Northwest are on the move. ‘s legendary orcas, once predictable in their patterns, are now breaking traditional boundaries and forging new paths through waters they’ve never explored before. This shift isn’t just a minor tweak to their ancient routines. It represents something much deeper and more ...

bioluminescence

Irelands Glow in the Dark Waters The Science of Bioluminescent Bays

Maria Faith Saligumba

Imagine standing by the water’s edge on a tranquil Irish night, surrounded by the soft murmur of the sea. As you gaze into the dark waters, something extraordinary happens—a radiant glow illuminates the surf, sparking an almost otherworldly spectacle. This ethereal phenomenon is known as bioluminescence, and the bays of Ireland are some of the ...

10 Creatures From the Deep Sea That Look Like They’re From Another Planet

Sumi

Imagine a place where sunlight never reaches, pressure could crush a submarine, and life has twisted itself into shapes that look more like science fiction than biology. That’s the deep sea. It’s Earth’s largest habitat, and yet we’ve explored only a tiny slice of it. What we have seen, though, is wild enough to make ...

Yeti Crabs and Bacterial Gardens

Crabs That Farm Seaweed

Jan Otte

Picture this: a crab carefully tending to its own underwater garden, harvesting like a meticulous farmer. While this might sound like something from a children’s story, the reality is far more fascinating. Marine scientists have discovered that certain crab species have developed remarkable relationships with and algae that resemble agricultural practices more than typical predator-prey ...

The Fish That Builds Sandcastles to Impress Mates

The Fish That Builds Sandcastles to Impress Mates

Gargi Chakravorty

Nature has produced countless remarkable courtship rituals, from peacocks displaying vibrant tail feathers to birds performing elaborate dances. Yet deep in the waters of Japan and Africa, certain fish species have taken romantic expression to artistic extremes. These remarkable creatures don’t just sing or dance for love. They build. Picture this: you’re diving in clear ...