Started By
Message
Giant, Sulfur-Eating Worms Found in Philippines
Posted on 4/18/17 at 12:14 pm
Posted on 4/18/17 at 12:14 pm
LINK
This is a huge, up to five feet long, animal to have escaped detection until well into the 21st century. It also represents symbiosis at an extreme. As seen in the cartoon below, the clam relative has almost completely lost its digestive organs. It doesn't need them because the bacteria it lives with provide sustenance directly to its cells.
It's humbling to think of how many animals and plants remain undiscovered in this age of hyper-technology. We are advancing so fast in the sciences but still haven't documented all of the creatures in our biosphere.
quote:
An international team of researchers were the first to investigate a never before studied species—a giant, black, mud dwelling, worm-like animal. The odd animal doesn't seem to eat much, instead it gets its energy from a form of sulfur.
This is a huge, up to five feet long, animal to have escaped detection until well into the 21st century. It also represents symbiosis at an extreme. As seen in the cartoon below, the clam relative has almost completely lost its digestive organs. It doesn't need them because the bacteria it lives with provide sustenance directly to its cells.
It's humbling to think of how many animals and plants remain undiscovered in this age of hyper-technology. We are advancing so fast in the sciences but still haven't documented all of the creatures in our biosphere.
4
Posted on 4/18/17 at 12:25 pm to Kentucker
We aren't too far away from Dune
Posted on 4/18/17 at 12:31 pm to Kentucker
Ya'll hear about the goat that was genetically altered to have spider web "proteins" (don't know the word) in it's utter? It was done to farm spider webbing because of the strength of it. Apparently they milk the goat and then separate the liquid webbing from the milk.
Posted on 4/18/17 at 12:48 pm to hogNsinceReagan
Animals are being hybridized almost willy-nilly. Mostly, the aim is to improve farm animals for human consumption. Of course, that word "improve" is a relative term depending upon whether you're the producer or the consumer. I mean, would you eat meat from a geep (goat/sheep hybrid) or a beefalo (buffalo/cow hybrid)?
Geep
Beefalo
Geep
Beefalo
Posted on 4/18/17 at 12:49 pm to blue_morrison
quote:
We aren't too far away from Dune
Question is, will Mexican cartels be handling spice distribution?
Posted on 4/18/17 at 1:39 pm to Kentucker
I mean it is a great discovery sure, but I can't get past the fact that it looks like a week old used rubber your toddler just found on the park playground.
Posted on 4/18/17 at 3:08 pm to Kentucker
I am impressed. I can see how this guy gets so big and that's a very impressive way to nourish that it evolved.
Posted on 4/18/17 at 4:09 pm to JustGetItRight
quote:
I mean it is a great discovery sure, but I can't get past the fact that it looks like a week old used rubber your toddler just found on the park playground.
I know. Of course, that's the worm out of its shell. The shell itself looks like an elephant tusk.
Nature makes for some erotic-looking animals. The common name for this fish is obvious, I think:
And the Korean version:
This post was edited on 4/18/17 at 4:30 pm
Posted on 4/18/17 at 4:15 pm to Commander Data
quote:
I am impressed. I can see how this guy gets so big and that's a very impressive way to nourish that it evolved.
It's an amazing example of adaptation for two animals. Bacteria have an important role in most animals' lives, even humans.
Each human has approximately 1 trillion cells that make up his body. However each of our bodies contains 6 trillion bacteria (they're much smaller than normal cells) that weigh a collective 10 pounds. We couldn't live without them.
Posted on 4/18/17 at 4:35 pm to Kentucker
quote:
10 pounds
Wasn't aware of that. I have had a horrible experience with bacteria after a surgery. Spent 18 days in hospital and almost died. I guess they do a lot of good too.
Posted on 4/18/17 at 8:37 pm to Commander Data
You probably contracted MRSA, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. It is by far the most common bacterium in hospitals. You're actually very lucky to have survived.
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow SECRant for SEC Football News