Marine Biology & Oceanography

Latest Feature Articles


 		The Best Marine Biology Universities in the US
A list of the top marine biology colleges in the United States. Find marine biology universities on the East Coast, West Coast, and in the Ivy League.
How Do Dams Affect the Ocean?
Dams affect oceans in a variety of ways by altering the flow of rivers leading into the sea.
Why is the Ocean Salty?
Everyone knows that the ocean is salty while rivers are filled with fresh water - but why is that so?
Why Do Fish Have Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
There's a reason why fish have so many omega-3s in their bodies. It has less to do with cholesterol and heart health and more to do with the cold.
Where do Pearls Come From?
Sand may have nothing to do with pearl formation. Here are the new and old theories on why oysters make pearls and how oysters do it.
Sea Urchin Life Cycle
Sea urchin reproduction, larvae, and metamorphosis are important stages in a sea urchin's life cycle.
Do Sharks Have Predators?
Sharks are not often attacked but they do have a few predators to look out for.
Do Sharks Sleep?
Shark sleep remains a mystery to scientists, however, important insights have been made.
A Description of Marine Parasitism
Marine parasites represent an important part of ocean ecology.
Top Five Interesting Nudibranch Facts
Nudibranchs are amazing creatures with unique defense mechanisms and a variety of odd features. These creatures are certainly deserving of more attention.
Are Sharks Always Moving?
Many people have learned that if sharks stop moving they will die. However this is not always true.
How Fish Maintain Buoyancy
Swim bladders help fish maintain buoyancy so they neither float nor sink. Here's how the swim bladder works.
Does Lightning Kill Fish?
There are plenty of stories of people getting hit by lightning but few about lightning fried fish. Find out whether lighting strikes hit fish and why or why not.
The Dangers of Fish Farms
Aquaculture has been touted as a way to ease the pressure on wild fish populations, but fish farms cause a variety of problems that must be addressed.
How Global Warming Affects the Ocean
Global warming means more than just rising temperatures. It affects ice caps, coastal communities, and marine creatures.
A List of Marine Reptiles
Learn about marine iguanas in the Galapagos, tropical venomous seas snakes, the deadly salt water crocodile, and endangered sea turtles.
Defense Mechanisms of Ocean Fish
Defense mechanisms such as camouflage, spines, and poisons help fish escape predators.
Reasons Ocean Conservation is Important
The ocean is a great provider to humans and people depend on the seas for a variety of reasons. There are several selfish reasons to protect the ocean.
Finding Marine Biology Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to help ocean conservation projects and learn about marine biology.
Reasons to Not Eat Tuna
It should seem obvious that endangered species should be protected not eaten. Unfortunately many people don't realize some tuna species are threatened.
Marine Biology Science Fair Projects
Here are a few ideas to springboard from when creating a marine biology science fair project.
Mangrove Deforestation Affects Coral Reefs
Understanding the far reaching impacts of mangrove deforestation is important to protecting the world's coral reefs.
How Mangrove Fish and Mudskippers Live on Land
Some fish are able to leave the water and breathe air on land. This requires special adaptations to their gills.
The Different Layers of the Ocean
The ocean is made up of several layers, each with its own name, characteristics, and marine life.
Cleaning Up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is where many plastic bottles go once emptied and thrown away. Unfortunately that plastic is killing sea life. Its time to clean it up.