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Carnivorous Sponge Discovered in Deep Sea
23 Apr
Summary
- A new carnivorous sponge, the 'death ball sponge', was found.
- It actively hunts small organisms using hook-like structures.
- The Southern Ocean is a target for new species discoveries.
Marine biologists have announced the discovery of a novel carnivorous sponge in the Southern Ocean, a region increasingly recognized for its unexplored biodiversity. This newly identified species, informally named the 'death ball sponge', deviates significantly from typical sponge behavior.
Instead of passively filtering nutrients from the water, this sponge actively preys on small organisms. It utilizes unique, hook-like microspines to capture its meals, an adaptation likely driven by the scarcity of suspended food particles in its deep-sea habitat.
The discovery was made during a deep-sea exploration mission utilizing remotely operated vehicles off the South Sandwich Islands. This expedition, part of the Ocean Census flagship mission, collected nearly 2000 specimens, many of which are new to science.
This finding underscores how much remains unknown about deep marine environments and showcases life's ability to evolve in extreme conditions. The Southern Ocean, being one of Earth's least explored areas, is yielding a significant number of new species, including crustaceans, corals, and starfish.
