Aims

The course aims to give an introduction to marine organisms in their environment. Biodiversity and adaptation mechanisms of marine animals will be illustrated by some examples. Remarkable capabilities of marine organisms in different biota will be presented. Finally, reflexion on human impacts on the marine environment will be evoked.

Main themes

Beginning of this course will consist of a brief description of seas and oceans' topography, followed by a description of major physical-chemical properties of seawater. The main mechanisms that control the circulation of water masses will also be illustrated.
The major part of the course will concentrate on different types of marine habitats, organism's distributions as well as regulating factors from intertidal zone down to deep sea. Concepts of coral reefs and hydrothermal vents communities will be studied. Emphasis is put on metabolical adaptations, floatability phenomenon and bioluminescence.
Finally, an overview of food chains and the impact of human beings on marine life will be presented.