Teuthidodrilus

Teuthidodrilus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Class: Polychaeta
Order: Canalipalpata
Suborder: Terebellida
Family: Acrocirridae
Genus: Teuthidodrilus
Osborn et al., 2010
Species: T. samae
Binomial name
Teuthidodrilus samae
Osborn et al., 2010 [1]

Teuthidodrilus (also known as the squidworm), is a genus of marine polychaete worms first described by marine biologists from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in November 2010. This unique animal is currently believed to represent a "transitional organism", with physical and behavioral characteristics of both benthic (seabed-dwelling) and pelagic (free-swimming) organisms. Teuthidodrilus samae is currently the only described species of this genus. Teuthidodrilus is closely related to the recently discovered Swima genus, another pelagic cirratuliform worm of the deep ocean.[2]

Discovery

Teuthidodrilus is one of seven recently discovered deep-sea, pelagic cirratuliforms.[2] The first specimen was observed in the Celebes Sea in October 2007.[3] A second specimen was discovered in a nearby area by a group of marine biologists from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in November 2010. Using a remotely operated underwater vehicle during exploration of the deep water column of the western Celebes Sea, the team found the animals at a depth of 2.8 kilometres (1.7 mi).[1] The Celebes Sea is a deep oceanic basin with a maximum depth of 20,300 feet (6,200 metres). It is part of the Coral Triangle, an area known for its high biodiversity.

Classification and Phylogeny

Teuthidodrilus is thought to be a previously unobserved genus which may represent a transition between the benthos and the pelagic organisms.[1][4][5] Teuthidodrilus is one of seven newly discovered species of swimming cirratuliforms. These seven species have been assigned to four new genera, forming a new phylogenetic clade within the Acrocirridae family.[2] Following is a brief description of the cladistics and taxonomic classification of Teuthidodrilus:

Anatomy and Physiology

Teuthidodrilus specimens observed and collected as of 2010 have measured up to 9.4 centimetres (3.7 inches) in length. These animals are notable for the unusual tentacular appendages (referred to as "notochaetae") that protrude from its prostomium (anterior segment, or head). Ten of these tentacles as long or longer than its body protrude from the head, along with six pairs of free-standing, oppositely branched nuchal organs that allow the animal to taste and smell underwater. It is the notochaetae and the nuchal organs which primarily distinguish Teuthidodrilus from other polychaetes.[1]

Behavior

Teuthidodrilus does not appear to be a predator, feeding instead on bits of so-called "marine snow," a mix of sinking microscopic plants and animals, fecal material and cast-off mucus. Swimming upright, it navigates by moving two body-length rows of thin, paddle-shaped protrusions that cascade like dominoes.

Geographic Distribution and Habitat

Squidworms live about 100 to 200 metres above the ocean floor.[13]

Significance

Teuthidodrilus worms belong to a morphologically diverse pelagic clade within the Acrocirridae family of polychaetes. The acrocirrids are primarily benthic. Pelagic animals within primarily benthic families are of particular interest in evolutionary biology, because their adaptations to life in the water column inform us of the evolutionary possibilities and constraints within the clade and indirectly of the selective pressures at work in this unfamiliar habitat.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Osborn KJ, Madin LP, Rouse GW (2011). "The remarkable squidworm is an example of discoveries that await in deep-pelagic habitats". Biology Letters 7 (3): in press. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2010.0923. PMC 3097850. PMID 21106571. Retrieved 2010-11-25.
  2. 1 2 3 Osborn KJ, Rouse GW (2010). "Phylogenetics of Acrocirridae and Flabelligeridae (subscription only)". Zoologica Scripta: in press. doi:10.1111/j.1463-6409.2010.00460.x.
  3. ↑ Watson T (2010). ""Flamboyant" New Squid Worm Surprises, Delights Experts". National Geographic Daily News. National Geographic Society. Retrieved 2010-11-25.
  4. ↑ Sample I (November 23, 2010). "'Squid worm' emerges from the deep". The Guardian. Retrieved 2010-11-25.
  5. ↑ Cressey D (November 24, 2010). "The Great Beyond: Strange ‘squidworm’ showcases sea’s secrets". Nature.com Blogs. Retrieved 2010-11-25. External link in |work= (help)
  6. ↑ Roach J (2005). "Life Is Found Thriving at Ocean's Deepest Point". National Geographic Daily News. National Geographic Society. Retrieved 2010-11-25.
  7. ↑ "Geography of Guam". Guam: government of Guam. 2010. Retrieved 2010-11-25.
  8. ↑ Lippsett L, Nevala AE (2009). "Nereus Soars to the Ocean's Deepest Trench". Oceanus Magazine, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Retrieved 2010-11-25.
  9. ↑ WHOI Media Relations (2009). "Hybrid Remotely Operated Vehicle "Nereus" Reaches Deepest Part of the Ocean". Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Retrieved 2010-11-25.
  10. ↑ Rouse GW (2002). "Annelida (Segmented Worms)". Encyclopedia of Life Sciences. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. doi:10.1038/npg.els.0001599.
  11. ↑ Ruppert EE, Fox RS, Barnes RD (2004). "Annelida". Invertebrate Zoology (7th ed.). Brooks/Cole. pp. 414–20. ISBN 0-03-025982-7.
  12. ↑ Lavelle, P (1996). "Diversity of Soil Fauna and Ecosystem Function" (PDF). Biology International 33. Retrieved 2010-11-25.
  13. ↑ "Spindly species found in ocean's crushing depths". Yahoo! News. Agence France-Presse. 2010-11-24. Retrieved 2010-11-25.

External links

Squidworm - New Excitement for Biologists

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