In a bizarre experiment, scientists submerged dead alligators in the depths of the ocean to find out how deep-sea animals react to an unconventional food source. The goal of the unusual experiment was to shed light on the complexity of underwater food systems. One of the alligators was swallowed by something…
Because the deep sea floor lacks conventional food such as phytoplankton or plants, scientists are still trying to learn more about the food chain there. In a harsh environment, organisms must feed on a mixture that includes organic detritus such as animal waste and decomposing remains from above.
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Nothing was left of the alligator
Scientists Craig McClain a Clifton Nunnally from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) conducted this particular study and have now published their results in the journal PLOS One.
When scientists placed three dead alligators at a staggering depth of 2,000 meters in the Gulf of Mexico, they made a startling discovery. When they returned to the last alligator carcass after 51 days, to their astonishment, it had been completely eaten, leaving only a mysterious brown fuzz covering its bones.
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Source: CR McClain, CC 2.5
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Giant worms feasted on the alligator
Where did he go?
DNA analysis of this mysterious brown fluff has revealed an entirely new species of worm from the genus Osedax, which feeds on bones. This is the first ever sighting of any species of the genus Osedax in the Gulf of Mexico, marking a significant scientific discovery.
River Dixona doctoral student in McClain’s lab at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and a co-author of the study, stated, “We confirmed that this is a new species by comparing the DNA of the animals we collected with the DNA of known species of the genus Osedax. We found that the DNA is so different that our samples qualify as a new species.”
The remaining two alligator carcasses offered equally interesting findings. One of them was quickly consumed in less than 24 hours by giant isopods, which are known for their ability to go without food for long periods of time.
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A monster from the deep?
However, the fate of the third alligator was shrouded in mystery. Upon returning to the site, the researchers discovered noticeable drag marks where the carcass was originally deposited. Further investigation led to a shocking revelation: a creature of considerable size escaped with the entire alligator. Calculations showed that the bite force required to break the rope was equivalent to that of a large shark.
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With this unusual and daring experiment, scientists have revealed new insights into the unique dynamics of the deep-sea ecosystem, proving once again that the depths of the ocean hide many mysterious secrets that have yet to be revealed.
Watch a video of the entire experiment here:
Source: Youtube
But we don’t know for sure what kind of monster it was…
Resources: earthlymission.com, www.atlasobscura.com eu.houmatoday.com, www.chron.com
2023-09-10 09:39:56
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