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Marine Biology Final Exam Sample Questions
Many marine subtidal animals are filter feeders or suspension feeders. Describe the
feeding structures and explain the method of feeding in one organism in each of two
different phyla.
Compare the interactions of the Earth’s crust at mid-oceanic ridges and subduction
zones. Be specific.
Describe the origin of the Hawaiian Islands.
Describe how sediment particle size effects the distribution of nutrients and the
types of organisms in soft bottoms. Include two organisms to support your answer.
Explain the interactions between kelps, sea urchins and sea otters in the kelp
forests of the Pacific Northwest. Include what happens if the sea otters are removed
form a kelp forest.
Compare the biology of mesopelagic migratory and non-migratory fishes. Include
morphological and behavioral differences.
Describe the physiological adaptations for deep diving found in marine mammals.
Describe two external morphological features that distinguish cartilaginous and
bony fish.