This New Species Discovery Helped Scientist Understand More About Our Oceans Marine Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

This New Species Discovery Helped Scientist Understand More About Our Oceans Marine Life

The majority of our ocean still remains unexplored, but this new discovery may help us learn just a little bit more about the great blue world.

23
This New Species Discovery Helped Scientist Understand More About Our Oceans Marine Life

It always surprises me when I hear that as much as 80 percent of the earth's oceans still remain unexplored. It makes me wonder, what on earth is out there that we aren't able to see? What kind of creatures live at the depths of the ocean floor that we as humans can't physically access?

Well, with the development of a new video camera that can withstand the extreme depths necessary to see these unknown creatures, scientists have made a little bit of progress in finding a few new species:

Snailfish

One particular group of scientists made a journey to the Atacama Trench, which is located on South Africa's west coast. The scientists went there to search for a snailfish that had previously been photographed by fellow scientist Alan Jamieson. The snailfish was known to live between 7,000 and 8,200 meters. With this in mind, the group sent their camera down to a depth just past 8,000 meters. When reviewing the footage, it was found that the snailfish they had been looking for did indeed exist.

But that wasn't all. These scientists ended up finding two other species of snailfish that had never been seen before. The group was elated to return home with better results than they could have hoped for.

You're right, this does sound a little boring.

Now I know what you're thinking: "snailfish don't exactly sound very interesting." And you're right. They don't. But it's not the actual species discovery that's important here, although the snailfish species they discovered are pretty cool looking. It's the conclusions scientists were able to come to based on these discoveries that are important.

Upon discovering these three completely different species of snailfish, the scientists were able to figure out some of the ways in which deep-sea trenches support marine life. The evidence these scientists have collected of multiple species thriving in the same exact environment supports the theory that different species of an animal that lead different lifestyles can still live amongst each other in the same environment. In other words, there are different adaptations that can allow for species to survive harsh conditions such as the ones these snailfish live in.

The Bigger Picture:

It's little discoveries like these that lead to more and even bigger scientific revolutions. Based on what the scientists from the expedition found, we know more than we did before about marine life and how their habitats affect them. Personally, I can't wait to see what we discover next, even if it is just another little snailfish.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

10671
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

4752
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3500
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3088
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments