SMS 201 - Biology of Marine Organisms

An introduction to the diversity, form, and function of marine organisms, and to marine environments and ecological processes. After a synopsis of the major groups of marine microorganisms, algae, plants, and animals, the course emphasizes the relationship between their structure (anatomy and morphology) and function (physiology), as well as their development and larval biology. The course considers diverse marine habitats and ecosystems (rocky intertidal, estuaries and salt marshes, mudflats, coral reefs, open ocean, continental shelf and slope, deep sea), accentuating their physical factors (temperature, salinity and desiccation, solar radiation, oxygen, pressure) that affect their inhabitants. Lec 3.

Prerequisites: BIO 100 and SMS 100, both with a grade of C- or better, or permission.

Course Typically Offered: Spring

Credits: 3