In a groundbreaking discovery that sheds new light on deep-sea biodiversity, Chinese scientists have unveiled a new species closely related to the elusive vampire squid. The research team, comprising experts from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, published their findings in the esteemed journal Zootaxa.
The new species was collected in September 2016 at depths ranging from 800 to 1,000 meters southeast of Hainan Island. This region of the South China Sea, characterized by minimal light and low oxygen levels, provided the perfect habitat for this deep-sea dweller. Through meticulous morphological analysis, the scientists observed significant differences between the new species and the known vampire squid, particularly in tail shape, beak structure, and the positioning of photophores.
Genetic studies further confirmed that while the new species and the vampire squid share a common lineage, they represent two distinct branches on the evolutionary tree. This finding is monumental, marking the first time in over a century that a new extant species has been added to the order Vampyromorphida, which until now was represented solely by the vampire squid.
The vampire squid was first discovered in 1903 by German marine biologist Carl Chun. Known for inhabiting the deep sea at depths of 600 to 900 meters, the vampire squid has long intrigued scientists due to its unique adaptations to extreme environments. The discovery of a new species within this order not only expands our understanding of marine life’s diversity but also highlights the rich, unexplored ecosystems beneath the ocean’s surface.
This revelation comes on the heels of another significant study published on March 8, 2022, by researchers from the American Museum of Natural History and Yale University in the journal Nature Communications. Their analysis of a 328-million-year-old cephalopod fossil suggested that ancient ancestors of both octopuses and vampire squid originally possessed ten arms, which over millions of years evolved into the eight-armed creatures we are familiar with today.
The discovery by the Chinese team not only corroborates evolutionary theories but also opens new avenues for research into deep-sea life forms. It underscores the importance of marine exploration and the need for continued investment in scientific endeavors that push the boundaries of our understanding of the natural world.
As scientists continue to explore the depths of the South China Sea and beyond, who knows what other secrets lie waiting in the abyss? This new species serves as a reminder of the ocean’s vast mysteries and the endless possibilities that await discovery.
Reference(s):
New species related to vampire squid discovered by Chinese scientists
cgtn.com
