Overview

This module will consider the environmental and physiological factors that determine the abundance, distribution patterns, and ecology of marine organisms in a range of extreme marine habitats. The habitats covered are: the Polar Regions, coral reefs, deep-sea habitats, and deep-sea reducing habitats such as hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. How the organisms have managed to adapt physiologically within these environments will be discussed and you will be shown the similarities and differences between these habitats and those considered less extreme.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (D-) - Knowledge and basic understanding reliant entirely on the taught programme. Basic understanding of subject-specific theories, concepts and principles. Presents a competent overview of an extreme habitat in their assessment.

Good (B) - Wider knowledge and moderate understanding based on the taught programme, but with evidence of enquiry beyond that. Understanding of subject-specific theories, concepts and principles and some understanding of specialist areas. Presents a detailed, well researched and illustrated assessment showing clear understanding of the topic and questions posed

Excellent (A) - A very wide knowledge base extending well beyond the directly taught programme showing an in-depth understanding of the concepts presented. Thorough understanding of subject-specific theories, concepts and principles and in-depth understanding of more specialist areas. Presents an insightful, carefully argued, illustrated assessment showing clear evidence of independent thought.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module, you should be able to: Outline the environmental and biological factors controlling the abundance, distribution patterns and ecology of organisms in *extreme* marine habitats in the oceans.

• Critically appraise a variety of evidence to inform your knowledge of *extreme* marine habitats and organisms, and make recommendations relevant to enhancing the accessibility of the information and your knowledge in light of your synthesis of appraised evidence.

• Summarise how organisms are able to cope with the physiological demands of their *extreme* marine habitat.

• Using examples from the lecture material and peer-reviewed literature, question the concept of *extreme* marine habitats and consider whether these habitats are in reality extreme for the organisms that live there (now and in the future).