An international team of scientists recently made a significant discovery during an expedition across the Salas y Gómez Ridge, uncovering a diverse array of marine species.
Discovery of Species
- Exploration Scope: The scientists explored 10 seamounts and two islands along the 2,900-kilometer-long ocean ridge.
- Number of Species: A total of 160 species were discovered during the expedition.
- New Species: Approximately 50 of these species are suspected to be new to science.
- Diverse Species: Among the findings were squid, fish, corals, mollusks, sea stars, glass sponges, sea urchins, crabs, and squat lobsters.
Record-Breaking Observation
- Deepest Photosynthesis-Dependent Animal: The expedition potentially set a record by sighting the deepest-known photosynthesis-dependent animal, Leptoseris, also known as the wrinkle coral.
Implications for Conservation
- Ecosystem Diversity: Distinct ecosystems were observed on individual seamounts, emphasizing the importance of protecting the entire ridge.
- Call for Protection: Chief scientist Erin E Easton emphasized the need for establishing new marine protected areas, including on the high seas of the Salas y Gómez Ridge.
- Global Significance: The ridge supports the migration of various marine animals and is vital for maintaining biodiversity.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- How many species did the international team of scientists discover during their expedition across the Salas y Gómez Ridge?
- A) 100
- B) 160
- C) 200
- D) 50
- Answer: B) 160
- Approximately how many of the discovered species are suspected to be new to science?
- A) 20
- B) 30
- C) 40
- D) 50
- Answer: D) 50
- Which of the following is not among the species discovered during the expedition?
- A) Squid
- B) Fish
- C) Birds
- D) Sea urchins
- Answer: C) Birds
- What potentially record-breaking observation did the scientists make during the expedition?
- A) Deepest-known whale sighting
- B) Deepest-known photosynthesis-dependent animal sighting
- C) Largest coral reef discovery
- D) Largest population of sea turtles observed
- Answer: B) Deepest-known photosynthesis-dependent animal sighting
- What was the emphasis of chief scientist Erin E Easton regarding the importance of protecting the Salas y Gómez Ridge?
- A) Protecting individual seamounts
- B) Establishing marine protected areas only on islands
- C) Protecting the entire ridge
- D) Focusing on protecting high-traffic marine routes
- Answer: C) Protecting the entire ridge