Chilean Blob
The Chilean Blob was a large mass of tissue discovered on Pinuno Beach in Los Muermos, Chile, in July 2003. It weighed 13 tonnes (14 tons) and measured 12 metres (39 ft) across.[1] The Chilean Blob made headlines around the world because biologists were unable to identify it, and were speculating that it was the remains of some species of giant octopus previously unknown to science.[1][2]
In June 2004, it was reported that fragments of DNA found in the blob had been found to match that of a sperm whale: the blob was merely the partial remains of a dead sperm whale, specifically a large mass of adipose tissue.[3][4]
The Chilean Blob and the subsequent investigation into its origins inspired the titular story in Theodore Carter's book of short stories The Life Story of a Chilean Sea Blob and Other Matters of Importance.[5]
References
- 1 2 Chilean blob could be octopus. BBC News, July 3, 2003.
- ↑ Giant blob baffles marine scientists. BBC News, July 2, 2003.
- ↑ Pierce, S., S. Massey, N. Curtis, G. Smith, C. Olavarría & T. Maugel 2004. Microscopic, Biochemical, and Molecular Characteristics of the Chilean Blob and a Comparison With the Remains of Other Sea Monsters: Nothing but Whales. Biological Bulletin 206: 125–133.
- ↑ Puig, R. 2004. A Whale of a Tale. Research Online, University of South Florida.
- ↑ www.theodorecarter.com
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