#1
#1 out of 1
10h ago
Scientists discover a deep whale graveyard that is teeming with life
- Scientists find a deep-sea whale graveyard in the southeastern Indian Ocean hosting diverse life forms.
- The graveyard lies as deep as 23,000 feet (7 kilometers) and covers the largest area found to date.
- Bones dating back up to 5.3 million years help anchor the ecosystem in the deep sea.
- Dense bones and mineral coatings may help preserve remains against time and deep-sea conditions.
- Researchers mapped five carcass sites and collected fossils during 2023 expeditions.
- Several whale species’ skulls were among the fossils found at the site.
- Nature journal report describes vibrant communities feeding on carcasses.
- Experts say the site illustrates how life adapts to extreme deep-sea conditions.
- The study was led by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and colleagues worldwide.
- The work was published with commentary from independent paleontologists.
Vote 0