It's not accurate to say that *most* major advances in marine biology have come in the last 200 years. While the last two centuries have seen tremendous growth in our understanding of the oceans, significant discoveries and advancements have been made throughout human history.

Here's a breakdown of why the last 200 years have seen a surge in marine biology advancements:

1. Technological Advancements:

* Submersibles and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): These technologies allowed scientists to explore the depths of the ocean, revealing previously unknown ecosystems and creatures.

* Sonar and Satellites: These tools provided detailed maps of the ocean floor and allowed for monitoring of oceanographic processes like currents and temperature.

* DNA Sequencing: This technology revolutionized our understanding of marine biodiversity and evolutionary relationships.

2. Scientific Method and Specialization:

* Formalized Research: The development of scientific societies and journals led to a more structured and rigorous approach to studying the oceans.

* Specialization: Marine biology evolved from a broad field into a collection of specialized disciplines focusing on areas like oceanography, marine ecology, and fisheries.

* Collaboration: International cooperation and sharing of knowledge across disciplines have accelerated progress.

3. Increased Awareness and Environmental Concerns:

* Climate Change: The growing awareness of the impacts of climate change on oceans has fueled research into ocean acidification, sea level rise, and the health of coral reefs.

* Pollution: The recognition of marine pollution and its impact on marine life has led to increased research and conservation efforts.

* Overfishing: The understanding of the consequences of overfishing has driven research into sustainable fishing practices and ecosystem management.

4. Historical Perspective:

* Early Explorations: Explorers like Christopher Columbus and James Cook made significant contributions to our understanding of the oceans.

* Early Naturalists: Naturalists like Aristotle and Pliny the Elder documented marine life and oceanographic phenomena.

* 18th and 19th Centuries: The Age of Exploration and the development of scientific societies led to further advancements in marine biology.

Therefore, while the last 200 years have witnessed a remarkable acceleration in marine biology advancements due to technological advancements, specialized research, and growing environmental concerns, significant contributions from earlier eras have laid the foundation for our current understanding of the oceans.