Among the scary facts about the ocean are the Gulper eels, Zombie worms, and Deep-sea vents. The last one, the Bermuda Triangle, is so ominous that it’s tops our list of ocean facts. And yet, even after 100 years, the cargo ship has never been recovered. Research has shown that this is due to a strong gravitational pull, and the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle is far from over.
Zombie worms
A new study claims that zombie worms in the ocean evolved alongside whales and sea turtles. They evolved at about 100 million years ago, when plesiosaurs roamed the ocean. After these reptiles died out about 65 million years ago, they became the main food source for marine reptiles such as whales. These worms also left holes in the fossil records of many prehistoric marine species.
The study suggests that female zombie worms only drill bones for food, and the male worms live inside the females. It has been estimated that there are as many as 111 male worms living inside one female zombie worm. This means that the female zombie worms do not need to search for a mate, as the male worms will remain inside of her. As a result, the female worms will drop fertilized eggs far and wide in the ocean floor in the hope that their eggs will land on some recently-fallen bones.
Although scientists are unsure of the origin of zombie worms, they have confirmed that they are a new kind of marine worm that scavenges whale carcasses. The worms, known as Osedax, are only a few inches long and can grow up to seven centimeters. They were discovered in 2002 on the 10,000-foot sea floor. Since then, scientists have found numerous Osedax species, and 26 of them are listed in the World Register of Marine Species.
These worms are found in the deep ocean, where they eat whale bones. Their scientific name is Osedax, which means “bone eater”. It lacks a mouth and a digestive system, so it relies on bacteria to break down the whale bones. Because the zombie worms have no teeth, they do not bother humans, and they mainly prefer whale bones. They also feed on whale skeletons.
Giant squid
The colossal squid is smaller than the giant squid, but is still much larger and heavier – it could weigh over 700 kilograms. It has eight arms and a beak like mouth. These animals have huge eyes, but they need a constant flow of fresh seawater to see well. In addition to their enormous eyes, colossal squid are the largest living creatures with arms.
These sea creatures have been linked to myth for centuries. Ancient sailors believed the giant squids were mermaids and other mythical creatures. They saw mysterious movements in the ocean and often found the carcasses of the creatures. People often confused the dead squids with those of a merman or a mermaid, but today, scientists have discovered that they actually are real.
While giant squids may not grow as large as the kraken, they are still impressive animals. A specimen of a female caught off the coast of Japan in 2020 had only sperm from a single male. Scientists do not know exactly how squids reproduce, but they assume males place sperm on the female’s arm. Females may also hold eggs to collect sperm. Once they have mated, the colossal squid releases millions of fertilized eggs.
Aside from their enormous body, giant squids are also formidable predators. Their sharp beaks can tear apart jellyfish and other squids. These creatures also prey on deep-diving sperm whales, so it’s no wonder many of them have scars from the tentacles of giant squids. They are dangerous, so if you’re a curious swimmer, be sure to keep your distance and keep your eyes peeled.
Deep-sea vents
Scientists have discovered an entirely different ecosystem in the depths of the deep sea. These deep-sea vents produce geothermal water. The heat from these vents allows organisms nearby to survive, even at temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat is a necessary adaptation for the creatures that live in the surrounding area, as the pressure is so great that boiling water would not be possible.
While the surface of the ocean is only a small part of the ocean, it is far more than half a million miles beneath the surface. This vast expanse of water is home to many unique animals and plant life. Some of these organisms are able to survive by relying on chemicals released from these vents instead of sunlight. The conditions inside ALVIN are extremely cramped; three people are unable to fit comfortably inside. As a result, a total dive could last up to eight or ten hours.
The deepest point on Earth, called the Mariana Trench, is located at nearly 11 kilometers below the surface of the ocean. Mount Everest would be a mile below that point! The hottest part of the Mariana Trench is called Challenger Deep, and it is home to hydrothermal vents. These vents produce high-temperature plumes, which can reach up to 18 stories high!
The deep-sea vents are also home to a variety of other creatures. Scientists are exploring how life originated and have begun to find fossils in these environments. The discoveries at these vents have revolutionized our understanding of the origins of life on earth. While these creatures were once thought to be extinct, they have now been discovered in such deep-sea environments. Ultimately, they will help us better understand our planet.
Gulper eels
This is a species of eel that lives at depths of 3,000 to 6,000 feet. These creatures are transparent when they are not in their juvenile stage and their large mouth is capable of swallowing large prey. They usually feed on small crustaceans, though. Their large mouths make them excellent predators. Here are some facts about gulper eels that are scary and interesting!
Apparently, gulper eels are a type of deep-sea fish that are remarkably hard to spot. A crew on the Exploration Vessel Nautilus recently spotted one of these creatures, which balloons up like an underwater air bag. This footage was shot from a distance of one mile and includes commentary from scientists on board. The video below demonstrates the jaw span of these animals and the way they pounce on their prey.
The mouths of gulper eels are enormous and have a loose hinge. The lower jaw can open wide, allowing them to swallow larger animals. Their large mouths are full of teeny, sharp teeth and the gulper eel can swallow larger animals than its own body. It is this ability that makes gulper eels so terrifying and so feared!
Although pelican eels are often caught in fishing nets, they are rarely seen by humans. Fishermen have caught hundreds of them since the 1970s. A team from the E/V Nautilus recently spotted a gulper eel in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Scientists have also observed the gulper eel’s aggressive hunting behavior.
Black hole
A netizen stumbled across a black hole in the ocean in Google Maps and immediately started to speculate what the hole might be. His speculations ranged from derisive to heartfelt. One user speculated that it could be an entrance to a hollow earth. The hole could also be a shadow. This theory could explain the appearance of the black hole in the ocean and is the basis for the popular movie Black Panther.
Scientists have long wondered how light can be sucked into a black hole. A black hole would be so dense that light would cease spiraling and bend before it could return to its normal position. Einstein called this effect a photon sphere, and this is what happened when the eddy was closed. A similar phenomenon is also observed in the ocean, where eddies have formed without leaking water. Researchers have observed the phenomenon in real life in the Gulf of Mexico.
In addition to its gravitational pull, the black hole may be a source of pollution. In addition to transporting microorganisms, plankton, and other materials, it may also serve as a transportation vehicle for pollution. The eddy’s ability to hold a variety of substances, including human trash, is a key factor in its emergence as a mysterious force. The theory is a great way to further understand the structure of the world’s oceans.
The image of the island appears like a black hole on Google Maps, but it is actually an island in the middle of nowhere. The image was posted on reddit, without the coordinates, and many users speculated as to why the interior was so black. Some concluded that Google Maps censored the interior for some reason. This theory is still under investigation, but the discovery is exciting news. If you have an interest in learning more about these strange phenomena, you should follow the links below!