Like most deep-sea biologists, I have a large collection of decorated Styrofoam cups. A couple dozen line the bookshelf of my office, each displaying a…
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Category: Evolution
Surviving Toxic Havens
The ROV Global Explorer reaches bottom at around 9:01 am, nearly 3.5 kilometers deep in the Gulf of Mexico. The 1.5-ton machine flies nimbly through…
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Introducing a New Species: My Namesake, a New Bone-Eating Worm
Osedax worms, or the ‘bone eating’ worms are little soft sacks resembling snotty little flowers. The “bone devourer” is not quite accurate as the worms…
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Ancient Origins of the Vampire Squid
Delving into the evolutionary past of the enigmatic deep-sea vampire squid, Vampyroteuthis infernalis, has long been a pursuit shrouded in mystery. However, recent discoveries, such…
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The Many Clawed, Blind Lobsters of the Deep
In the profound darkness of the ocean’s depths, organisms face a choice concerning their visual capabilities. Some species evolve specialized eyes that grow to astonishing…
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Holy Glowing Sea Cucumbers!
When we ponder bioluminescence, our minds often conjure images of mesmerizing squids and radiant fish, captivating our imagination with their dazzling displays. However, as research…
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From Depths Unknown: Deciphering the Origins of Deep-Sea Biodiversity
The deep sea host a remarkably high diversity of life, a realm teeming with an astonishing array of species with a vast set of adaptations…
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The Ocean’s Gelantinous Christmas Tinsel
The above photo is of Apolemia lanosa a type of siphonophore belonging to phylum Cnidaria that also includes corals and jellies. It’s basically the ocean’s…
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The Hidden World of Extreme Ocean Depths: Life and Pressures in the Trenches
The highest known pressure in the deep oceans coincides with the maximum known depth in the southern end of the Mariana Trench, the Challenger Deep.…
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The Upside Down Feeding Fish of the Deep
The deep-sea anglerfish commands fascination, although admittedly, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea—I’m content sticking with the anglerfish enthusiasts. Among these captivating creatures,…
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