Ghost shark, carnivorous sponge among 1,000+ newly discovered marine species
The Ocean Census has identified over 1,000 new marine species, including a ghost shark and a carnivorous sponge. This initiative aims to document marine life rapidly to prevent biodiversity loss. The discoveries highlight the urgency of marine conservation efforts as many species remain unnamed and unprotected.
- ▪The Ocean Census has revealed 1,121 potentially new marine species in its third year.
- ▪Among the discoveries is a polychaete worm that lives inside a glass sponge, providing mutual benefits to both species.
- ▪A new species of carnivorous sponge was found at a depth of 3,601 meters, actively catching prey unlike typical sponges.
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(function($) { $(document).ready(function() { const bulletPoints = $('.bulletpoints'); const toggle = $('.bulletpoints-wrapper .content-expander'); if (bulletPoints.length > 0) { const bulletPointsHeight = bulletPoints[0].scrollHeight; if (bulletPointsHeight && bulletPointsHeight <= 170) { toggle.remove(); } toggle.click(function() { bulletPoints.toggleClass('visible'); $('#expander-container.bullets').toggleClass('visible'); $(this).toggleClass('visible'); }); } }); })(jQuery); The third year of a global Ocean Census has revealed 1,121 potentially new-to-science marine species, including a worm that lives inside a “glass castle,” a ghost shark, and a carnivorous sponge.
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