Researchers Uncover New Deep-Sea Predator, Dubbed Darkness
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Earth’s oceanic trenches, plunging as deep as 11 kilometers (6.8 miles), remain one of the planet’s most mysterious realms. Their pitch-black waters endure crushing pressures of up to 1,088 atmospheres (16,000 pounds per square inch), yet life somehow thrives in these extreme environments. Despite decades of limited access, scientists are now unraveling the secrets of these deep-sea ecosystems.
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from the U.S. and Chile have identified a ghostly, fast-moving predator in the Atacama Trench off South America’s west coast. Unlike the scavengers typically found at such depths, this species, named Dulcibella camanchaca, stands out as the first active predatory amphipod observed at 7,902 meters below the surface.
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Co-lead author Carolina González from the University of Concepción highlighted the teamwork behind the discovery, achieved during a 2023 expedition under Chile’s Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System. Using a lander vehicle with baited traps, the team collected specimens.
“This collaborative effort confirmed Dulcibella camanchaca as a new species and genus, showcasing the Atacama Trench’s rich biodiversity and its role as an endemic hotspot,” González stated. She emphasized the potential for deep-ocean exploration in Chile’s waters to uncover more discoveries.
This breakthrough also highlights the value of studying extreme environments, offering clues about ocean trenches and possible extraterrestrial life on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus. “Discovering a new species is exciting, but finding a new genus in such extremes reveals how much remains unexplored,” Weston added.
A Deep-Sea Haven for Endemic Species and Extreme Biology
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However, the Atacama Trench, stretching 8 kilometers deep in the eastern Pacific, formed from tectonic plate subduction. Like isolated islands, trenches worldwide are physically separated and often host endemic species found nowhere else. These deep-sea habitats are biological treasure troves, offering valuable insights into life in extreme environments.
Co-lead author Carolina González from the University of Concepción highlighted the teamwork behind the discovery, achieved during a 2023 expedition under Chile’s Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System. Using a lander vehicle with baited traps, the team collected specimens.
“This collaborative effort confirmed Dulcibella camanchaca as a new species and genus, showcasing the Atacama Trench’s rich biodiversity and its role as an endemic hotspot,” González stated. She emphasized the potential for deep-ocean exploration in Chile’s waters to uncover more discoveries.
This breakthrough also highlights the value of studying extreme environments, offering clues about ocean trenches and possible extraterrestrial life on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus. “Discovering a new species is exciting, but finding a new genus in such extremes reveals how much remains unexplored,” Weston added.
Read Original Article: Science Alert
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