Biogenic silica refers to silica (SiO2) that is produced by living organisms. It is primarily associated with the hard parts of various biological entities, particularly diatoms, sponges, and some types of algae. These organisms extract silica from their environment to form their structural components, such as the frustules of diatoms and the spicules of sponges. In ecosystems, biogenic silica plays a significant role in the silicon cycle, contributing to nutrient cycling and influencing ocean productivity.

FSC Millport refers to the Field Studies Council (FSC) facility located on the Isle of Cumbrae in Scotland. The facility offers educational programs focused on environmental science and ecology, providing opportunities for students, teachers, and other groups to engage in hands-on learning experiences in a unique natural setting. The center typically includes accommodations and classrooms designed for field study and research, allowing visitors to explore the local ecosystems, marine environments, and biodiversity.

A brackish marsh is a type of wetland characterized by a mixture of saltwater and freshwater. This environment typically occurs in coastal areas where freshwater from rivers or streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. The salinity levels in brackish marshes are usually higher than freshwater marshes but lower than salt marshes. Brackish marshes support a variety of plant and animal species adapted to the fluctuating salinity levels.

Imposex is a condition that affects certain species of marine gastropods (sea snails), particularly members of the family Muricidae (rocky shore whelks and related species). It is characterized by the development of male sexual characteristics in female snails, a phenomenon typically induced by exposure to certain pollutants, particularly organotin compounds such as tributyltin (TBT), which have been used in antifouling paints for ships.

The Census of Coral Reefs, often referred to in a broader context as part of coral reef monitoring and assessment initiatives, is a systematic effort to collect data on the status and health of coral reef ecosystems. This initiative usually involves: 1. **Mapping Distribution**: Documenting occurrences and distributions of different coral species and reef structures.

Cetology is the branch of marine biology that studies cetaceans, which include whales, dolphins, and porpoises. This field of study involves the behavioral, ecological, evolutionary, and conservation aspects of these marine mammals. Cetologists may focus on various aspects, such as the social structures, communication, migration patterns, and habitat needs of cetaceans, as well as the impact of human activities (like fishing, shipping, and pollution) on their populations.

The Global Census of Marine Life on Seamounts is an initiative aimed at assessing and understanding the biodiversity associated with seamounts, which are underwater mountains formed by volcanic activity. These underwater features are known to host diverse ecosystems and unique species due to their varying depths, changes in temperature, and ocean currents. The project is part of the broader Census of Marine Life (CoML), established in the early 2000s with the goal of documenting and understanding marine biodiversity on a global scale.

Lessepsian migration refers to the phenomenon of species migration from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal, named after Ferdinand de Lesseps, the French diplomat and engineer who oversaw the canal's construction. This migration occurs when organisms, particularly marine species, move from their native habitats in the Red Sea into the Mediterranean due to the artificial waterway created by the Suez Canal, which was opened in 1869.

**Marine Biology** is a scientific journal that focuses on the field of marine biology, encompassing studies of marine organisms, their behaviors, and interactions with their environments. The journal publishes original research articles, reviews, and other scholarly works on a wide array of topics related to marine ecosystems, including but not limited to marine ecology, oceanography, fisheries science, and conservation biology.

"Chasing Shadows" is a book written by American author and journalist, E.J. Lawson. It is a novel that typically explores themes of mystery, suspense, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative often centers around characters confronting their pasts or solving a significant dilemma. The title "Chasing Shadows" may also refer to other works across different genres, including memoirs, thrillers, or self-help books.

A cleaning station refers to specific locations in aquatic environments, particularly coral reefs, where small fish, often called cleaner fish (such as cleaning wrasses), remove parasites, dead tissue, and other debris from larger fish and other marine animals. This symbiotic relationship benefits both parties: the larger fish receive grooming that improves their health, and the cleaner fish receive food. The cleaning stations are usually marked by specific locations or areas in the reef where cleaner fish are readily available to provide their services.

Diadinoxanthin is a type of carotenoid pigment found primarily in certain algae and plants. It belongs to a group of pigments known as xanthophylls, which are characterized by their yellow and orange colors. Diadinoxanthin is particularly important in the photosynthetic apparatus of some marine phytoplankton, such as diatoms and dinoflagellates, where it plays a role in light harvesting and photoprotection.

Lentisphaerota is a phylum of bacteria that was proposed based on metagenomic studies and characterized by certain distinct genetic and phenotypic traits. Members of this phylum are generally found in various aquatic environments and may have a unique role in biogeochemical processes. Lentisphaerota bacteria are often described as having complex cell shapes and are suggested to be involved in microbial interactions and community dynamics.

The United States Marine Mammal Program is a program typically managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Its primary focus is the conservation and management of marine mammal populations, including species such as whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. The program involves research, monitoring, habitat protection, and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of marine mammal populations and their habitats.

Predatory dinoflagellates are a group of single-celled marine organisms that belong to the larger class of dinoflagellates, which are a part of the phylum Pyrrophyta. Dinoflagellates are known for their diverse lifestyles, including those that are photosynthetic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic (capable of both photosynthesis and consuming other organisms).

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules that contain oxygen, and they play a crucial role in various biological processes. In marine microalgae, ROS production can occur as a result of metabolic activities, particularly during photosynthesis. **Key Aspects of ROS Production in Marine Microalgae:** 1. **Photosynthesis and Light Stress**: During photosynthesis, marine microalgae convert light energy into chemical energy and release oxygen as a byproduct.

In anatomy, "scale" can refer to a few different concepts, but it is most commonly associated with the flat, plate-like structures that cover the skin of certain animals, particularly those in the classes Reptilia (like snakes and lizards) and Actinopterygii (bony fish). Scales serve various functions, including: 1. **Protection**: They provide a barrier against physical abrasions and predatory attacks.

Spongin is a type of collagenous protein that serves as a structural component in the skeleton of certain sponges. It is a key element in the anatomy of glass sponges and other sponge species, providing them with flexibility and strength. Unlike the siliceous (silica-based) spicules found in some sponges, spongin is organic and helps to maintain the sponge's shape and integrity.

Ampère Seamount is an underwater mountain located in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the island of Ascension. It is part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge system, which is characterized by a series of underwater ridges and seamounts formed by volcanic activity. Ampère Seamount is named after the French physicist André-Marie Ampère, known for his contributions to the study of electromagnetism.

Tagging of Pacific predators refers to research and conservation efforts aimed at tracking and studying the behavior, movements, and population dynamics of various predatory species in the Pacific Ocean. This can include sharks, tuna, sea lions, and other apex predators that play a vital role in marine ecosystems. Researchers typically use various types of tagging methods, such as: 1. **Acoustic Tags**: These tags emit sound signals and can be detected by underwater receivers.