Final answer:
In the context of earning a Boy Scout merit badge, making a plankton net and drawing a trench & seamount are activities associated with oceanography, a branch of earth sciences focused on the marine environment. Adding nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron to the ocean can increase phytoplankton growth, a topic relevant to marine ecology. Marine ecologists study deep sea corals using methods like multibeam echo sounder technology to avoid habitat destruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Oceanography Through Boy Scout Merit Badge Activities
Making a plankton net and drawing a trench & seamount are activities that are related to the field of oceanography. When Boy Scouts engage in these tasks to earn a merit badge, they are diving into the science of marine environments, which is a vital branch of earth sciences. Specifically, these activities help Scouts learn about marine life and geological formations under the sea, respectively.
Elements Boosting Phytoplankton Growth
Adding elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron to oceans can significantly increase the growth of phytoplankton. These are essential nutrients that phytoplankton require for photosynthesis and growth, akin to the way fertilizers are used in soil to promote plant growth.
Studies of a Marine Ecologist
A marine ecologist would study a vast array of subjects, including the trophic structures of ecosystems, sedimentary layers for marine fossils, and the manner in which various species, like bivalves and trilobites, interact within their environments.
Researching Deep Sea Corals
Marine ecologists study deep sea corals using non-invasive methods such as multibeam echo sounder technology, which allows for a detailed view of these ecosystems without destructive impacts. This technique, alongside deep-sea diving when feasible, helps to preserve these fragile habitats.
Science Practice and Skills Building
Practical experiences like making observations in the field and analyzing data are critical to developing scientific skills. These activities represent the essence of "doing science" and are integral to understanding complex systems such as those found in oceanography.