Many new and unexpected life forms have been discovered deep within the Antarctic ice sheet. They may not be big or beautiful, but this surprising discovery shows scientists how life can persist in one of Earth’s most isolated environments.
The research, published in the journal Current Biology, explains that British Antarctic Survey researchers have recently discovered 77 new species, including sword-shaped bryozoans and serpulid worms, under the Antarctic ice shelves.
Bryozoa, commonly known as algae animals, are a family of simple aquatic invertebrate animals. Typically no larger than a millimeter, these animals usually consist of hard coral-like exoskeletons and a bunch of hair-like tentacles. These tentacles are used to filter food. Serpulid worms also look like them, motionless animals that glide through the water.
The very existence of these simple creatures raises some big questions. Most ecosystems start with sunlight, which is absorbed through photosynthesis and converted into usable forms of energy. However, these animals live under hundreds of meters of ice where light cannot penetrate. So scientists wonder how these animals survived.
The study’s lead author, marine biologist from the British Antarctic Survey, Dr. “The discovery of so many creatures living in these extreme conditions is a total surprise and reminds us how unique and special Antarctic marine life is. It is surprising that we found evidence of so many animal species, most of which feed on microalgae. Because only in this environment there are no plants or animals,” said David Barnes. algae cannot survive,” he says.
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