Final answer:
b) They aim to comprehend ancient ocean feedbacks and their impact on Earth's history. Robinson and her colleagues aim to understand ancient ocean feedbacks and their impact on Earth's history, with a particular focus on climate change. The ocean's influence on geological and biological processes, as well as its vulnerability to climate-related changes, makes it crucial to their research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Robinson and her colleagues are focused on understanding ancient ocean feedbacks and their impact on Earth's history. They believe that the ocean is closely related to their research because it plays a crucial role in climate change and has a considerable influence on the geological and biological processes of our planet.
Studying the ocean, particularly aspects like clathrates, which are frozen chunks of ice and methane found at the bottom of the ocean, can provide insights into past climate change events. Clathrates can influence oceanic chemistry and subsequently the climate. Additionally, ecosystems like coral reefs, which are rich in biodiversity, help in understanding how complex marine life interacts and evolves in response to environmental changes.
Marine ecologists, therefore, study the interactions within the ocean by assessing aquatic animals, their migration patterns, and their role in ecosystems, which are integral to providing ecosystem services. Coral reefs, under study by marine ecologists like Dr. Peter Etnoyer, are particularly vulnerable to changes in climate, acidification, and pollution. This sensitivity makes them a focal point for climate and environmental research, as their responses to these stressors can be both immediate and profound.