In an exciting investigation in the ocean near Antarctica, scientists have discovered a fascinating marine species that has sparked curiosity. This creature, which at first glance is intriguing in the photographs, has been baptized with the name of Promachocrinus fragarius, a well-known fruit, due to a peculiarity in its morphology.
Promachocrinus fragarius, A “Sea of Arms”
After painstaking observations, Professor Greg Rouse, an expert in marine biology at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, in collaboration with Emily McLaughlin and Nerid Wilson, shared details about this unique creature. Known as the “Antarctic feather star”, this marine species surprises with the presence of up to 20 arms that vary in shape and texture. These arms can reach a total length of about 20 centimeters.
A Visual Metaphor: The Strawberry of the Sea
A distinctive feature of this creature is a small elevation at the top of its arms, which curiously bears resemblance in size and shape to a strawberry or strawberry. The presence of these circular protrusions coincides with the location of the smaller chords, known as cirrus, which normally extend in the form of tentacles from the base of the body. In Rouse’s own words, “We have removed several cirrus clouds to expose the points of connection, reminiscent of a strawberry.”
An Adaptation Underwater Dance
These cirrus, which possess tiny claws at their ends to cling to the seafloor, are vital to the creature’s stability in its environment. The arms, which resemble feathers, not only contribute to the mobility of the organism, but also play an essential role in its ecosystem.
Identity of the New Species
The newly discovered species has been formally named Promachocrinus fragarius. It belongs to the class Crinoidea, which encompasses a diversity of sea creatures such as starfish, sea urchins, sand dollars and sea cucumbers. The name “Antarctic feather star” refers to its type of feather star, while “fragarius” comes from the Latin term meaning strawberry.
A Change in the Book of Species
The research has not only expanded our understanding of this unique species, but has also impacted the classification of Antarctic feathered stars. Previously, only one species was known in this group, but the discovery of four potential new species has led researchers to rethink diversity in this category.
Enriching Scientific Knowledge
The discovery of Promachocrinus fragarius not only enriches our knowledge about marine life, but also illustrates the constant surprise and challenge involved in exploring our planet. The swimming movements of these creatures, described as “otherworldly,” add a unique dimension to this scientific narrative. Although finding new species is not uncommon, the identification process is a complex and laborious task that demands continuous effort.
To finish
The discovery of Promachocrinus fragarius, a sea creature with 20 arms in the waters near Antarctica has captivated the attention of the scientific community. This unique species, dubbed the “Antarctic feather star”, stands out for its feathery arms and a strawberry-like feature in its morphology. The research has led to the identification of several related species, enriching our understanding of biodiversity in this region. However, this finding also highlights the challenges involved in accurately identifying new species in the deep oceans.
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