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Research Topics in Aquatic Biology

Marine biology is a course of study that involves researching biological organisms in a saltwater environment. Aquatic biology, on the other hand, can refer to one of two things. Most commonly it is the discipline that explores biological organisms found in freshwater. Schools that offer aquatic biology as a major often broaden their courses to include biological organisms in both salt and fresh water. Within this discipline there are a variety of possible research topics.

Aquatic Prairie Systems
- Aquatic systems in prairies offer unique ecosystems in which to conduct research. A general survey of the aquatic systems found in prairies -- streams, ponds, lakes, for example -- can be conducted to get an overall view of the life forms living in the area and the way they interact with other aspects of the prairie ecosystem. Another option is to focus on moving or standing water aquatic systems. Getting even more specific, a study can be performed on a particular type of biological organism. Examples include aquatic snails, fish (bullhead, carp) or plants found in prairie ponds.
Species Diversity
- Species diversity in aquatic systems varies depending on multiple variables. Perform an in-depth study of the diversity of biological organisms and, optionally, choose a specific focus: microorganisms, fish, aquatic plants, for example. Consider the ways in which ecosystem stability, environmental heterogeneity and the predatory or competitive interactions among species influences the diversity in a given ecosystem. Ecosystems that can be studied included tidal pools in a specific part of the world, a single freshwater body of water or a particular coral reef, for instance.
Meteorology and Aquatic Biology
- In a study published in "Biotropica" in 2008, the effect of typhoons on aquatic plants around Hainan Island was investigated. Typhoons are an important meteorological feature in the South Pacific, and a broader study can be done surveying the effects these weather events have on aquatic ecosystems in general. A study can also be performed on their effects on fish or microorganisms in lieu of aquatic plants. Studies in other parts of the world can focus on meteorological events such as hurricanes or water cyclones and their effects on aquatic ecosystems. For example: hurricane effects on coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea.
Climate Change
- As the effects of climate change become more concrete, research into the effect these changes will have on the environment become more important. One idea for a study is to look into the ways in which the effects of climate change -- warmer water temperatures, altered streamflow patterns, increased salinization -- alter freshwater ecosystems. Look into the ways the ecosystem is changed as a whole and also how individual biological organisms are affected. Based on the findings, postulate how a changed freshwater ecosystem will affect the greater biome or ecosystem to which it belongs.

Nature