Ocean temperature refers to the measure of how hot or cold the water in the ocean is. It can vary widely depending on several factors, including geographic location, depth, time of year, and ocean currents. Generally, ocean temperatures are warmer near the equator and cooler near the poles. Ocean temperature plays a critical role in marine ecosystems, influencing species distribution, breeding, and migration patterns. It also affects weather and climate patterns, including phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña.

A sea cave is a type of natural cave that is formed primarily by the erosive action of ocean waves against coastal rock formations. These caves can be found in various coastal environments, including cliffs, islands, and shorelines. The process of erosion typically involves the wearing away of softer rock layers, creating cavities and tunnels over time.

The Atlantic Equatorial Mode (AEM) is a climate phenomenon that refers to the variability in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions over the equatorial Atlantic Ocean. It plays a significant role in influencing weather patterns and climate variability in the surrounding regions, including North America, South America, and Africa. The AEM is characterized by fluctuations in sea surface temperatures along the equatorial Atlantic, which can affect the strength and position of the trade winds, precipitation patterns, and storm activity in the tropics.

The Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) is a long-term oceanographic research program that has been monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the ocean in the Sargasso Sea, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, near Bermuda. The study began in 1988 and aims to provide valuable insights into ocean circulation, climatic variability, and marine ecosystems.

Biogeographic realms, also known as biogeographic regions, are large areas of the Earth that are characterized by distinct biological communities and ecosystems. These realms represent the patterns of biodiversity and the distribution of species across the globe, often shaped by historical, geographical, and environmental factors. Biogeographic realms are typically classified based on the following criteria: 1. **Flora and Fauna**: Each realm contains specific plant and animal species that have adapted to its unique environment.

Endemism refers to the ecological phenomenon where a species is native to and restricted to a specific geographic area. This area can range from a particular country or region to an island or even smaller locations, such as a single mountain or habitat. Endemic species are not found naturally anywhere else outside of that designated area. Endemism is often used to describe plants and animals, and it can arise due to various factors, including geographic isolation, evolutionary processes, and environmental conditions specific to a region.

The Antarctic realm refers to the biogeographic region that encompasses the Antarctic continent and the surrounding Southern Ocean. This realm is characterized by its unique ecosystems, climatic conditions, and biodiversity, which have adapted to the extreme cold and isolation of the region. Key features of the Antarctic realm include: 1. **Geographic Location**: It includes the Antarctic continent, the sub-Antarctic islands, and the surrounding waters of the Southern Ocean.

The Arctic Biogeographic Region refers to a distinct ecological zone characterized by its unique climatic conditions, vegetation, and animal life. This region generally encompasses areas within the Arctic Circle and includes parts of the Arctic Ocean and surrounding landmasses, such as Greenland, Canada, Alaska (USA), northern Europe (particularly Norway and Russia), and the Arctic parts of Asia.

A bioregion is a distinct ecological area characterized by specific natural features such as climate, flora, fauna, and geological characteristics. It is a geographic region defined by environmental similarities and the relationships between living organisms and their surroundings. Bioregions often encompass multiple ecosystems and can include a variety of landscapes, such as forests, wetlands, mountains, and deserts. The concept of bioregions is used in ecological and environmental management to promote sustainable practices that respect and preserve the unique characteristics of a region.

Gondwana is a historical supercontinent that existed during the late Precambrian and throughout the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, roughly from about 600 million years ago until it began to break apart around 180 million years ago. It originally formed when several smaller landmasses joined together, encompassing what are now present-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of the Middle East.

Ecological release refers to the phenomenon where a species expands its niche or exhibits changes in its behavior, morphology, or reproductive strategies when it is introduced to a new environment with reduced competition or predation pressures. This concept often occurs when a species is removed from its natural habitat's biotic constraints — for example, when invasive species establish themselves in new ecosystems with fewer natural predators or competitors.

The Gulf of St. Lawrence lowland forests are a distinct ecoregion located in eastern Canada, primarily in the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. This area is characterized by a temperate climate and is part of the larger Mixedwood Plains ecozone. ### Key Features of the Gulf of St. Lawrence Lowland Forests: 1. **Geography**: The region encompasses the low-lying areas around the Gulf of St.

Invertebrate drift refers to the process in which aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and other small organisms, are carried downstream by the flow of water in rivers and streams. This phenomenon occurs when invertebrates detach from their substrates—such as rocks, sediment, or vegetation—and are swept away by the current.

The Macaronesian Biogeographic Region is a distinct biogeographic area located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It comprises several archipelagos known for their unique ecosystems and biodiversity. The primary components of the Macaronesian region include: 1. **Azores**: An archipelago belonging to Portugal, located about 1,500 kilometers west of the mainland. The islands are known for their volcanic origin and diverse flora and fauna.

Marine biogeochemical cycles refer to the processes that involve the transformation and movement of chemical elements and compounds in marine environments, including oceans, seas, and coastal regions. These cycles are crucial for understanding how life functions in the marine ecosystem, how energy is transferred between living organisms, and how nutrients and chemicals are recycled. There are several key components to marine biogeochemical cycles: 1. **Elements and Compounds**: The primary elements involved include carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and others.

Panbiogeography is a biogeographical approach that focuses on the distribution of organisms across space and emphasizes the historical and spatial relationships between different biotas. Developed primarily by the biogeographer Peter W. F. D. Craw, panbiogeography seeks to understand how the geographic distribution of species is influenced by historical events, such as continental drift, glaciation, and other forms of environmental change.

Papuasia is a term used to refer to a region that encompasses the island of New Guinea and its surrounding islands, which includes the western part of New Guinea (Irian Jaya or Papua), and often extends to adjacent island groups such as the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and occasionally parts of the eastern coast of Indonesia. The term reflects the cultural, linguistic, and ecological characteristics of this area, which is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse indigenous cultures.

In biology, a "relict" refers to a species, population, or ecosystem that has survived from an earlier geological or evolutionary period and has largely remained unchanged despite significant changes in the environment or the ecosystem surrounding it. Relicts are often remnants of a once more widespread group and may reflect ancient lineages that have persisted through time. Relict species can often be found in isolated areas, such as mountain ranges, islands, or specific habitats that have remained relatively undisturbed.

Spatial ecology is a subfield of ecology that focuses on the spatial distribution of organisms, populations, and communities in relation to their environment. It examines how spatial patterns and processes influence ecological interactions, species distribution, community structure, and ecosystem function. Key concepts in spatial ecology include: 1. **Habitat Fragmentation**: Understanding how the division of habitats affects species diversity and distribution.

Sundaland is a biogeographical region in Southeast Asia that includes the Malay Peninsula, the Java Sea, Borneo, Sumatra, and surrounding islands. It is characterized by its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, which have developed due to its geological history and climate. Sundaland was once part of a larger landmass during periods of low sea level, particularly during the last Ice Age, allowing species to migrate freely between the islands and the Asian mainland.