Mid-Atlantic Study Yields Trove Of New Species, Insights And Questions

TERRADAILY

the life of the deep

Oslo, Norway (SPX) Aug 09, 2004
Exploring life in the mid-Atlantic at various depths down to 4 km (2.5 miles), 60 scientists from 13 countries on a two-month expedition have surfaced a wealth of new information and insights, stunning images and marine life specimens, several thought to be species never before known to science.

Using remotely-operated deep-sea vehicles, hydroacoustics and other technologies for sampling and observation, the Norwegian-led MAR-ECO Expedition, part of the 10-year, $1 billion Census of Marine Life , has captured or recorded rare and potentially new species of squid and fish, measured the abundance of life, and advanced knowledge of - while raising new questions about - many other aspects of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ecosystem.

Among the scientists' discoveries and interests:

The unexpected diversity of animal communities in mid-water and along the bottom in a major section of the global system of mid-oceanic ridges. Thus far recorded, using an arsenal of methods and technologies: about 300 fish species, 50 squids and octopods, and an unknown number of planktonic species yet to be identified;

Rings of planktonic organisms, observed by echosounders, massed by underwater forces into circular swarms measuring more than 10 km wide, an example of underwater "physical-biological coupling" and thought to be the largest such phenomenon ever recorded;

Repeated observations of a reef-building, cold-water coral known as Lophelia pertusa. While no major reefs were found, the species was documented for the first time along this section of the mid-Atlantic Ridge;

New insights into the significance and ecology of the Charlie-Gibbs Fracture Zone, a mid-Atlantic oasis of life, and the Sub-Polar Front.

A new deep-sea mystery in the form of burrows left by an animal at 2000 meters on a seamount north of the Azores. The lines of evenly-spaced, 5 cm-wide holes create the impression of someone having "used a sewing machine to create this landscape," according to the researchers.

While the suspected burrower is a large crustacean or deep-sea blind lobster, several questions linger. "Perhaps each line is a burrow with multiple entries, or is it a succession of burrows with just a single opening, but then how and why can these lines be that straight?"

Two specimens of the rare Aphyonus gelatinosus, a strange bottom-dwelling, semi-transparent fish covered in a gelatinous layer, recorded only once before in the North Atlantic.

A deep-sea anglerfish with an unusual head structure and uniquely formed "lure" at the end of the fishing apparatus that sets it apart from other known species.

An unusual member of the Promachoteuthidae family of squids, distinguished by their small heads and small eyes covered with a semi-opaque pseudo-cornea.

At least one suspected new species of Ophidophormes, one of the most common deep-sea fish orders. Extensive analyses will be conducted to disprove or verify these and other candidate specimens as new species.

The Norwegian research vessel G.O. Sars arrived at its home port, Bergen, Norway, late Wednesday, August 4.

TERRADAILY

NHGRI Adds 18 Organisms To Sequencing Pipeline

Bethesda MD (SPX) Aug 05, 2004
As part of its ongoing effort to enhance understanding of the human genome, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), one of the National Institutes of Health, announced Wednesday that the Large-Scale Sequencing Research Network has received the green light to begin sequencing 18 strategically selected organisms, including the orangutan, African savannah elephant and domestic cat.

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