New Worms on Old Bones

[sleuth]

Scientists studying a whale carcass in the undersea Monterey Canyon have announced the discovery of two species of unique worms that feed on the bones of dead whales.

In the July 30 issue of Science, the researchers describe these worms, whose bodies and feeding strategies differ from those of any other known animal.

The worms have no eyes, legs, mouths or stomachs, but they do have colorful feathery plumes and green "roots." They use the roots to infiltrate the bones of dead whales, digesting the fats and oils inside with the help of symbiotic bacteria.

linkage: http://www.californianonline.com/news/stories/20040730/localnews/946533.html

 

[kwillia]

Photo shows a female Osedax frankpressi that has been dissected in the whale bone. The green tissue is where the bacteria are found and part of it has been torn, exposing the white ovary. Two strange new species of worms, without eyes or stomachs or even mouths, have been discovered living on the bones of dead whales in California's Monterey Bay. 'Deep-sea exploration continues to reveal biological novelties' such as this 'remarkable' worm, said the research team led by Greg Rouse of the South Australian Museum.