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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Vishwam Sankaran

DNA breakthrough reveals hidden links between deep-sea creatures

  • A new study published in Nature suggests that deep-sea creatures are interconnected globally via a hidden 'superhighway'.
  • Researchers analysed DNA from nearly 2,700 brittle star specimens, finding that these creatures have crossed entire oceans over millions of years.
  • This gradual migration has formed invisible links between deep-sea ecosystems as distant as Iceland and Tasmania.
  • Brittle stars achieve this vast dispersal because their yolk-rich larvae can survive for extended periods, drifting on slow-moving deep-sea currents.
  • While highly connected, the deep sea is also incredibly fragile, facing increasing threats from deep-sea mining and climate change.

IN FULL

Deep-sea creatures are interconnected across globe via hidden ocean ‘superhighway’

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