Biology Working Groups
Benthic Ecology
WHOI biologists are studying shallow water and deep-sea benthic populations in the field, laboratory, and theoretical settings.
Environmental Toxicology
WHOI scientists are studying the impact of environmental contaminants on the health of marine organisms and ecosystems.
Larval Ecology
Studies in larval ecology include research of the dispersal of larvae of benthic organisms living at deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
Marine Mammals
Scientists are studying marine mammal auditory systems, acoustics, behaviors, pollution effects, and population dynamics.
Microbiology & Microbial Ecology
Microbial studies encompass the distribution, abundance, physiological status, and growth rates of these organisms as well as their symbiotic interactions, population diversity and dynamics, and biochemical adaptations.
Modeling & Mathematical Ecology
WHOI biologists are using modeling, ecological theory, and state-of-the-art computer systems to examine the ecological processes that lead to the complex spatial and temporal patterns of organisms in the marine environment.
Molecular Biology
Molecular biology's powerful concepts and tools hold great promise for rapidly increasing knowledge of the phylogeny, biodiversity, ecology and population biology of marine organisms, their symbiotic interactions, and their biochemical, genetic and physiological adaptations to the ocean environment.
Physiology & Biogeochemistry
WHOI biologists are using a combination of traditional and modern approaches to investigate the comparative biochemistry and physiology of marine animals.
Zooplankton Ecology
WHOI biologists are using advanced video and acoustic imaging systems as well as nets, trawls and scuba diving to sample and observe zooplankton for study of their behavior and distribution.