https://phys.org/news/2024-12-ocean-predator-atacama-trench.html Phys.org Topics * Week's top * Latest news * Unread news * Subscribe [ ] Science X Account [ ] [ ] [*] Remember me Sign In Click here to sign in with or Forget Password? Not a member? Sign up Learn more * Nanotechnology * Physics * Earth * Astronomy & Space * Chemistry * Biology * Other Sciences * Medical Xpress Medicine * Tech Xplore Technology [INS::INS] * * share this! * 547 * Twit * Share * Email 1. Home 2. Biology 3. Plants & Animals 1. Home 2. Biology 3. Ecology * * * --------------------------------------------------------------------- December 9, 2024 Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source proofread Researchers discover new ocean predator in the Atacama Trench by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and partners discover new ocean predator in the Atacama Trench The newly discovered crustacean Dulcibella camanchaca is the first large, active predatory amphipod from the extreme depths of Atacama Trench. Credit: Johanna Weston, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Characterized by darkness and intense pressure, the ocean's hadal zone seems uninhabitable, yet dozens of unique organisms call it home. Each species discovered there adds a crucial piece to the puzzle of how life has evolved and even thrives in one of Earth's most extreme environments. A new study published in Systematics and Biodiversity highlights one of those species--the newly named Dulcibella camanchaca. This crustacean is the first large, active predatory amphipod from these extreme depths. The species was discovered by scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and Instituto Milenio de Oceanografia (IMO) based at the Universidad de Concepcion, Chile. "Dulcibella camanchaca is a fast-swimming predator that we named after 'darkness' in the languages of the peoples from the Andes region to signify the deep, dark ocean from where it predates," explained the study's co-lead author, Dr. Johanna Weston, a hadal ecologist at WHOI. At nearly 4 centimeters in length, this crustacean uses specialized raptorial appendages to capture and prey upon smaller amphipod species in the Atacama (Peru-Chile) Trench's food-limited realm. The trench stretches along the eastern South Pacific Ocean, plunging to depths exceeding 8,000 meters off the coast of northern Chile, and has long fascinated scientists. Located beneath nutrient-rich and productive surface waters and geographically remote from other hadal environments, the Atacama Trench hosts a distinctive community of native species. "Most excitingly, the DNA and morphology data pointed to this species being a new genus too, emphasizing the Atacama Trench as an endemic hotspot," continued Weston. [INS::INS] This remarkable finding is part of the 2023 Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System (IDOOS) Expedition aboard the R/V Abate Molina, led by scientists from IMO. Four Dulcibella camanchaca individuals were collected at a depth of 7,902 meters using a lander vehicle, which is an untethered platform used for carrying scientific equipment, including baited traps, to and from the ocean floor. Once safely back on the ship's deck, the recovered amphipods were frozen and then underwent detailed morphological and genetic analysis at the Universidad de Concepcion. "This study's collaborative effort and integrative approach confirmed Dulcibella camanchaca as a new species and highlights ongoing biodiversity discoveries in the Atacama Trench. This finding underlines the importance of continued deep-ocean exploration, particularly in Chile's front yard," said Dr. Carolina Gonzalez, co-lead author from the IMO responsible for sample collection and DNA analysis. "More discoveries are expected as we continue to study the Atacama Trench." As exploration technology advances, scientists anticipate uncovering more species, each offering insights into the evolutionary pressures and adaptations unique to the deep ocean. The results of this study will contribute to broader efforts to understand deep-ocean ecosystems and protect them from emerging threats, such as pollution and climate change. More information: Johanna N. J. Weston et al, A new large predator (Amphipoda, Eusiridae) hidden at hadal depths of the Atacama Trench, Systematics and Biodiversity (2024). DOI: 10.1080/ 14772000.2024.2416430 Provided by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Citation: Researchers discover new ocean predator in the Atacama Trench (2024, December 9) retrieved 21 December 2024 from https:// phys.org/news/2024-12-ocean-predator-atacama-trench.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Explore further A small trench-dwelling fish makes a splash in deep-sea evolution --------------------------------------------------------------------- 550 shares * Facebook * Twitter * Email Feedback to editors * Featured * Last Comments * Popular The genomic journey of modern and archaic humans may be older than we thought 3 hours ago 0 Introducing perceptein, a protein-based artificial neural network in living cells 3 hours ago 0 Saturday Citations: Chicxulub meteorite found guilty; Good news and bad news for LLMs 4 hours ago 0 Archaeological study documents rare Christian tattoo in medieval Nubia 5 hours ago 0 'Living' ceramics utilize bacteria for gas sensing and carbon capture 21 hours ago 0 --------------------------------------------------------------------- [gif] The genomic journey of modern and archaic humans may be older than we thought 3 hours ago [gif] Introducing perceptein, a protein-based artificial neural network in living cells 3 hours ago [gif] Saturday Citations: Chicxulub meteorite found guilty; Good news and bad news for LLMs 4 hours ago [gif] Archaeological study documents rare Christian tattoo in medieval Nubia 5 hours ago [gif] Scientists observe 'negative time' in quantum experiments 5 hours ago [gif] Lab work digs into gullies seen on giant asteroid Vesta by NASA's Dawn 7 hours ago [gif] Researchers take 'significant leap forward' with quantum simulation of molecular electron transfer 20 hours ago [gif] 'Living' ceramics utilize bacteria for gas sensing and carbon capture 21 hours ago [gif] Discovery of enzyme pathway may lead to lifesaving leishmaniasis treatments 22 hours ago [gif] Structural analysis reveals how human eyelashes promote water drainage 23 hours ago --------------------------------------------------------------------- Relevant PhysicsForums posts How can humans know that dinosaurs looked like reptiles? 4 hours ago Are you concerned about toxic chemicals in plastic food packaging? Dec 18, 2024 Controlling optical wavelength of illumination to improve reproduction rates in microorganisms Dec 13, 2024 Hot tea in plastic cups Dec 11, 2024 How long do bones take to decompose to dust? Dec 4, 2024 Why does a series of pulses generate a pitch? Dec 2, 2024 More from Biology and Medical --------------------------------------------------------------------- [INS::INS] * Related Stories [gif] A small trench-dwelling fish makes a splash in deep-sea evolution Oct 12, 2022 [gif] How biodiversity is changing in one of the world's most productive ocean ecosystems Jul 24, 2024 [gif] New microscopic organisms found in deep sea trench baffle Chile scientists Mar 18, 2022 [gif] How we discovered a new giant crustacean on the deepest depths of the ocean floor Jun 1, 2021 [gif] A deep dive into organic carbon distribution in hadal trenches May 31, 2021 [gif] Researchers seek understanding of early life on earth following Chilean expedition Oct 31, 2024 * Recommended for you [gif] Study reveals right whales live 130 years--or more 23 hours ago [gif] Ferns' ancient resilience aids modern ecosystem recovery after disasters Dec 20, 2024 [gif] Global study reveals phenological divergence between plants and animals under climate change Dec 20, 2024 [gif] The science behind Christmas trees: How conifers brave winter's worst Dec 20, 2024 [gif] Sugar solution matches antibiotics in treating cow infections Dec 19, 2024 [gif] Study reveals flies more vulnerable than bees to climate change Dec 19, 2024 Load comments (0) Let us know if there is a problem with our content Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form. For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines). Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request [-- please select one -- ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Your message to the editors [ ] Your email (only if you want to be contacted back) [ ] Send Feedback Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors. Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages. E-mail the story Researchers discover new ocean predator in the Atacama Trench Your friend's email [ ] Your email [ ] [ ] I would like to subscribe to Science X Newsletter. Learn more Your name [ ] Note Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Phys.org in any form. [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Your message [ ] Send Newsletter sign up Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties. [ ] Subscribe More information Privacy policy Donate and enjoy an ad-free experience We keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X's mission by getting a premium account. Remove ads Maybe later Medical Xpress Medical Xpress Medical research advances and health news Tech Xplore Tech Xplore The latest engineering, electronics and technology advances Science X Science X The most comprehensive sci-tech news coverage on the web Newsletters [ ] Subscribe Science X Daily and the Weekly Email Newsletter are free features that allow you to receive your favorite sci-tech news updates in your email inbox Follow us * * * * * * * * Top * Home * Search * Mobile version * Help * FAQ * About * Contact * Science X Account * Premium Account * Archive * News wire * Android app * iOS app * RSS feeds * Push notification (c) Phys.org 2003 - 2024 powered by Science X Network Privacy policy Terms of use E-mail newsletter [ ] Subscribe Follow us * * * * It appears that you are currently using Ad Blocking software. What are the consequences? x Quantcast