Study: Scavengers Big and Small Dwell in Deep Sea

[discocrisco01]

Source: Associated Press

Thousands of marine species eke out an existence in the ocean's pitch-black depths by feeding on the snowlike decaying matter that cascades down, and even sunken whale bones, according to a report released Sunday.

Oil and methane also are an energy source for the bottom-dwellers, the report says.

The findings on the deep sea were the latest special update on a 10-year census of marine life, an effort by more than 2,000 scientists from 80 countries to catalog the oceans' species.

Researchers say that since the census began in 2000, they have recorded 17,650 species living below 656 feet, the point where sunlight ceases. They say they've found 5,722 species living in the extreme depths, waters deeper than 3,280 feet.


Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=9148860

[MineralMan]

1. Bottom feeders, eh? Thrive on dead, decaying stuff?

Live in total darkness? Must be Republicans.

[alfredo]

2. Sean Hannity was found there.