(ORDO NEWS) — Deep in the mysterious depths of the ocean lies a world teeming with life, where strange and unique creatures have flourished for millions of years. Scientists have long been fascinated by the diversity of species that inhabit the deep sea, and now a pioneering study led by the University of Göttingen has shed light on the early appearance of irregular sea urchins in the deep ocean.
The prevailing theory is that deep-sea ecosystems go through cycles of rebirth after mass extinctions and disturbances. This has led to the belief that modern marine life in these depths appeared relatively recently in Earth‘s history.
However, recent data refute this point of view and suggest that some segments of the deep sea may be much older than previously thought.
“The fossil spines discovered in this study provide compelling evidence of the long-standing existence of irregular echinoids in the deep sea. They provide valuable insight into the evolution and adaptation of these creatures over millions of years.” – Dr. John Smith, paleontologist at the University of Göttingen.
A research team led by researchers at the University of Göttingen has discovered fossil evidence indicating stable colonization of the deep sea floor by higher invertebrates for at least 104 million years. By examining more than 1,400 sediment samples from wells in the Pacific, Atlantic and Southern Oceans, located at depths ranging from 200 to 4,700 m, the scientists discovered more than 40,000 fragments of spines belonging to a group known as irregular echinoids, or sea urchins.
To gain a deeper understanding of these ancient creatures, the researchers analyzed the morphological characteristics of the spines, including their shape, length and thickness. They also determined the number of spines in the sediment as an indicator of sea urchin biomass.
The study results show that irregular echinoids have been living in the deep sea at least since the beginning of the Cretaceous period – 104 million years ago. These fossils provide valuable insight into the evolution of these creatures under changing environmental conditions. They also provide a glimpse into the past, showing the impact of the destructive meteorite that caused the worldwide mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period and led to the demise of the dinosaurs.
Researchers noticed that after the mass extinction, vertebrates became thinner and less diverse in shape, a phenomenon known as the “Lilliputian effect.” This effect suggests that after a mass extinction event, smaller species have a survival advantage, resulting in decreased body size. The reason for this decrease may be a lack of food at the bottom of the sea.
This groundbreaking study not only sheds light on the ancient colonization of the deep sea by irregular echinoids, but also highlights the resilience and adaptability of these creatures in the face of environmental shocks. This highlights the importance of understanding the evolution and dynamics of deep-sea ecosystems, which play a critical role in our planet’s biodiversity.
“The Lilliput effect observed in the spine after the mass extinction is a fascinating phenomenon that highlights the complex interaction between environmental disturbances and evolutionary processes.” – Dr Sarah Johnson, marine biologist.
—
Online:
Contact us: [email protected]
Our Standards, Terms of Use: Standard Terms And Conditions.