Science
Science
Dr. Seuss-like creatures found deep in ocean
The creatures living in the depths of the ocean are as weird and outlandish as the creations in a Dr. Seuss book: tentacled transparent sea cucumbers, primitive "dumbos" that flap ear-like fins, and tubeworms that feed on oil deposits.
More than 40 new species of coral were documented on deep-sea mountains, along with cities of brittlestars and anemone gardens. Nearly 500 new species ranging from single-celled creatures to large squid were charted in the abyssal plains and basins.
Also of importance were the 170 new species that get their energy from chemicals spewing from ocean-bottom vents and seeps. Among them was a family of "yeti crabs," which have silky, hairlike filaments on the legs.
More than 2,000 scientists from 80 countries are working to catalog the oceans' species.
Researching the abyss has been costly and difficult because it involved deep-towed cameras, sonar and remotely operated vehicles that cost $50,000 a day to operate, Carney said.
Once the census is complete, the plan is to publish three books: a popular survey of sea life, a second book with chapters for each working group and a third focusing on biodiversity.
- Posted on November 24, 2009
i want to know more about the species of single celled creatures, doctor Seuss probably knew what he was talking about. the creature on the pic is weird but very cool!!
this sea creature is funny looking,but it is still cool. i think it would be so cool to write a book and something in it was discovered.
I think that the creature is amazing. I never thought that a creature that had been made up could really exist. I can't believe that it has fin like ears, that is weird. Also I can't believe that it is completely transparent, I have heard of a clear see through fish, but never a see though animal. I knew that there were animals that have pigments, then I heard of a see through fish, and now a transparent jellyfish! What's next, a see through leopard! Still I think it is cool and I thought jellyfish had more organs than the one showed in the picture.
This article talks about very unique species. The organism from the picture seems beyond Dr. Seuss, though. Over 500 species for $50,000 a day is outrageous. Reading about the new species will teach me a lot about the new species. My father has several fish tanks so he would like to hear about the new species. There are probably thousands more species we have yet to discover.
"well I think that is just stupid because how can one of dr. seusses creatures be in the ocean like you have to have proof like bring one from the ocean and put it in a zoo.
This creature is very strange looking, but cool. Its amazing how you can see right through it and look at its organs. In a way it almost looks like a flower. I would love to know more about the species, I'm sure it would be very interesting.