Why Do Marine Biologists Use Microscopes?

Marine biologists study the life and ecosystem of the oceans. To do this effectively, a marine biologist uses a wide range of tools, including various types of microscopes that allow him to observe and report on even the smallest creatures of the ocean.

A Marine Biologist at Work

Marine biologists work in one of the widest fields of research in biology. The variety of potential research topics can be overwhelming, so most scientists in the field specialize in one topic or area of research.

Research Through a Microscope

A microscope is used by most marine biologists at some point in their research. The microscope allows the scientist to observe small organisms and cell structures of larger organisms. A typical use of the microscope would be observing the microscopic life in a sample of sea water. Through careful study and observation, scientists are able to see changes in climate and environment by the number and type of microscopic organisms found. Scientists can find new species of organisms in sea water. Marine biologists also use the microscope to examine larger species such as fish and whales. The microscope is used to identify viruses and bacteria that may be found in an animal.

Methods

Microscopes are useful tools for studying marine life.

Stereo microscopes are a common sight in laboratories in the field. These microscopes have two viewing eyepieces, allowing for a three-dimensional view. Brightfield is the simplest method of viewing where light is either passed through a specimen or reflected. High-intensity light can also be used to accentuate the fluorescent characteristics of a specimen. This is used to view molecules beyond the resolving power of the microscope. Confocal imaging is a method of creating a three-dimensional computer model of a specimen under the microscope by systematically scanning the specimen at various angles and depths using lasers. Phase contrast is used to view transparent specimens. The method employs an optical technique that measures the difference in the refractive index to create high-contrast images able to be viewed by the human eye.

References

• Nikon: Marine Biology
• Sea Grant Marine Careers: Marine Biology