Scientists shed light on life in the darkest ocean depths.
THOUSANDS of strange animals that exist in eternal darkness miles below the surface of the oceans have been catalogued for the first time by scientists.The Census of Marine Life, a major international project surveying the oceans, recorded 5,722 species living at depths greater than 0.62 miles where the sun never shines.
Many inhabited frigid black realms as deep as three miles where the pressure would crush an unprotected human.
In total, 17,650 species were identified living deeper than 200 metres, the "twilight zone" where light barely penetrates and photosynthesis ceases to be possible.
Scientists were surprised by the diversity of life in the deepest reaches of the oceans.
Even the mud at the bottom of the ocean abyss was teeming with living things.
Among the bizarre creatures encountered by the researchers were a six foot long cirrate octopod - nicknamed "Dumbo" because of the large earlike fins it uses to swim - discovered more than a mile deep on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
The Census is due to complete its work in October, 2010.
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| Publication: | Daily Post (Liverpool, England) |
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| Date: | Nov 23, 2009 |
| Words: | 175 |
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