DesertFox
05-16-2007, 05:18 PM
A carnivorous sponge that uses tentacles to grab its prey is among hundreds of new species found on the ocean floor in the Antarctic.
The sheer quantity and range of previously unknown life has astonished scientists, who are still trying to count and analyse the creatures they have found. More than 700 new species have been identified and, with assessments of fewer than half the animal groups completed, the final number could be closer to 1,500.
Such is the diversity of the creatures living in complete darkness up to 20,827 feet (6,348m) beneath the surface that researchers believe they have found “the cradle of life” for deep sea animals.
As well as the sponge they found a carnivorous shellfish, which sucks prey into its shell, and a 2in-long marine woodlouse. A red octopus, dubbed Dumbo because of wings on its head that help it to steer, and a spider crab the size of a dinner plate, are among creatures yet to be confirmed as new.
More (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article1801133.ece)
The sheer quantity and range of previously unknown life has astonished scientists, who are still trying to count and analyse the creatures they have found. More than 700 new species have been identified and, with assessments of fewer than half the animal groups completed, the final number could be closer to 1,500.
Such is the diversity of the creatures living in complete darkness up to 20,827 feet (6,348m) beneath the surface that researchers believe they have found “the cradle of life” for deep sea animals.
As well as the sponge they found a carnivorous shellfish, which sucks prey into its shell, and a 2in-long marine woodlouse. A red octopus, dubbed Dumbo because of wings on its head that help it to steer, and a spider crab the size of a dinner plate, are among creatures yet to be confirmed as new.
More (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article1801133.ece)