Science / Marine Biology Glossary

Coprophagy: Feeding on fecal material

Coral Reef: A wave-resistant structure resulting from cementation processes and the skeletal construction of hermatypic corals, calcareous algae, and other calcium carbonate-secreting organisms

Corer: Tubular benthic sampling device that is plunged into the bottom in order to obtain a vertically oriented cylindrical sample

Coriolis Effect: The deflection of air or water bodies, relative to the solid earth beneath, as a result of the earth's eastward rotation

Counter-Illumination: Having bioluminescent organs that are concentrated on the ventral surface so as to increase the effect of countershading (see also countershading)

Countercurrent Exchange Mechanism: Mechanism by which two vessels are set side by side, with fluid flowing in opposite directions, allowing efficient uptake and retention of heat, oxygen, or gas, depending upon the type of exchanger

Countershading: Condition of organisms in the water column that are dark-colored on top but light-colored on the bottom

Critical Depth: That depth above which total integrated photosynthetic rate equals total integrated respiration of photosynthesizers

Critical Salinity: A salinity of approximately 5 to 8% that marks a minimum of species richness in an estuarine system

Cryptic Colouration: To protect themselves against predators, many animals acquire colouring and markings to match and conceal them in their usual surroundings. For example the nudibranch (sea slug), Rostanga pu . . . View Full Definition

Ctenophora: See Comb jellies

Daily Estuary: An estuary in which tidal movements cause substantial changes in salinity at any one location on a daily basis

Decomposer: An organism which gains energy by breaking down the final remains of living things. Predominantly bacteria and fungi, decomposers are important in freeing the last of minerals and nutrients . . . View Full Definition

Decomposition: The biochemical process where biological materials are broken down into smaller particles and eventually into basic chemical compounds and elements. See also decomposer.

Deep Layer: The layer extending from the lowest part of the thermocline to the bottom

Deep-Scattering Layer: Well-defined horizon in the ocean that reflects sonar; indicates a layer usually consisting of fishes, squid, or other larger zooplankton

Demographic: Referring to numerical characteristics of a population (e.g., population size, age structure)

Density: (seawater) Grams of sea water per milliliter of fluid

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