Marine Organisms and Their Hydrodynamic Signatures

Kakani Katija, a bioengineer, studies marine organisms and their interactions with dynamic ocean environments. She focuses on the fluid motions created by these organisms, likening them to footprints. Katija has developed a miniaturized device for scuba divers to measure hydrodynamic signatures. Her research involves night diving with lasers to capture data on fluid displacement and velocity. The future of her work includes using remotely operated vehicles to study deep-sea organisms. Katija emphasizes the potential for marine organisms to inspire new technologies, similar to how birds inspired flight.

What is one of the main challenges marine organisms face in their environment?

• Lack of food

• Dynamic ocean currents

• High temperatures

• Pollution

What do small marine organisms create that is similar to footprints?

• Chemical trails

• Light patterns

• Sound waves

• Hydrodynamic signatures

What is the purpose of the green laser used by researchers?

• To attract marine organisms

• To illuminate fluid particles

• To measure water temperature

• To scare away predators

What is a limitation of the current scuba diving device used for studying marine organisms?

• It is too large for practical use

• It requires multiple divers to operate

• It can only be used during the day

• It can only reach depths accessible by scuba divers

What is the next frontier in studying marine organisms according to the speaker?

• Using satellites to track ocean currents

• Developing remotely operated vehicles for deeper exploration

• Building larger research vessels

• Creating artificial marine habitats

How do larvaceans feed in the ocean?

• By scavenging dead organisms

• By creating a feeding current through their mucus house

• By filtering water through their gills

• By photosynthesis

What unique ability do siphonophores have?

• They can communicate using sound

• They can swim vertically using jet propulsion

• They can change color to camouflage

• They can survive in freshwater

What is one of the most interesting results collected using the scuba diving device?

• Marine organisms can communicate with each other

• Marine organisms can generate mixing equivalent to winds and tides

• Marine organisms can survive without oxygen

• Marine organisms can change the color of the water

What inspired the development of airplanes according to the speaker?

• Marine organisms

• Fish

• Birds

• Insects

What potential future technology is mentioned as being inspired by marine organisms?

• Solar-powered submarines

• Underwater vehicles that look like jellyfish

• Robotic fish

• Flying cars