Unusual animals were found during exploratory drilling on the Filchner Ice Shelf: during
The work notes that the Antarctic coast was previously considered lifeless, specifically for attached benthic life forms.
Scientists assumed that under floating glaciers, in total darkness, only small mobile scavengers and predators such as fish, worms, jellyfish or krill could exist.
This discovery is one of those happy accidents that reminds us that Antarctic marine life is incredibly special and amazingly adapted to the icy world.
Hugh Griffiths, doctor, biogeographer and lead author of the study
According to the authors of the work, unknown organisms are located 1,500 km upstream from the nearest source of photosynthesis.
Perhaps, the authors suggest, these animalsthey collect nutrients released by the melting of the glacier, or use the compounds of methane jets seeping from the seabed for life.
Scientists intend to continue research, since there are still many questions: what kind of creatures they are, how they got to the bottom, what they eat.
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