Latest news with #seaSpiders
CBC
03-07-2025
- Science
- CBC
These sea spiders use the bacteria on their bodies to turn methane into food
Most people probably don't think of sea spiders as cute, but biologist Shana Goffredi says they're "extremely adorable." Goffredi and her students have discovered three new species of sea spiders, from the genus Sericosura, that live exclusively near methane seeps and hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. The creatures have endearing facial features, like a big nose and tiny teeth, that make them stand out, Goffredi says. But what really makes them special, she says, is their ability to grow "monocultures" of bacteria that turn methane, a greenhouse gas, into tasty nutrients. "They are the ultimate farmers," Goffredi, a professor and chair of biology at Occidental College in Los Angeles, told As It Happens host Nil Köksal. What they're farming, she says, are the bacteria that live on their bodies. Those bacteria convert methane gas that bubbles up from the sea floor into carbon-based nutrient sources that the spiders absorb when they eat the bacteria. Researchers say the findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shed light on how life sustains itself in the ocean's depths, and could even help us develop tools to mitigate the effects of climate change. Passing through generations Some arthropods, like some crabs, farm their own microbes, and scientists have found a similar symbiosis between worms and bacteria living near methane seeps. But this discovery marks the first time scientists have observed this particular phenomenon in sea spiders. Most sea spiders are hunters. They tend to eat anemones, worms, sponges and soft corals, getting their nutrients by piercing their prey and sucking up their internal fluids. The Sericosura spiders, on the other hand, are more like intergenerational farmers. After a female spider lays eggs, the male spider carries them around in special egg cases on their bodies until they hatch. The father then transfers his microbes to the hatchlings, which makes the farming process possible. "He gives them the symbionts that will grow on their exoskeleton that they will farm for the rest of their life," Goffredi said. "They're really good dads." A 'happy accident' What's not yet clear is what the bacteria get out of this arrangement. Goffredi says more research is needed to determine why bacteria are attracted to the translucent, centimetre-long sea spiders, and what makes their bodies a suitable habitat. "We're already looking for animals that might have been often overlooked in the past, that might actually have a big role in being the link between gaseous, high-energy methane and the microbes that use it," she said. This discovery, she says, was "a happy accident," as she and her team had initially just set out to study methane seeps. Guadalupe Bribiesca-Contreras, a post-doctoral researcher at the Natural History Museum in the U.K. who studies deepsea systematics and ecology, says phenomena like methane seeps are poorly understood because they're isolated environments, making them difficult to study. "We're at a stage where we're just starting to provide very basic information, [like] what lives there," Bribiesca-Contreras, who was not involved in the study, said. "Then we can start looking at these bigger, more relevant questions." One of the questions Bribiesca-Contreras is interested in is how creatures that live in environments like methane sinks evolved. Cimate change and conservation Methane may provide a nutritious snack for the bacteria and the spiders, but it's also a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Goffredi says the discovery her team made shifts understanding of how methane cycles through the ecosystem, and she hopes that by better understanding the spiders' process, humans can develop technology that mitigates methane release from the ocean. In fact, some scientists are already testing the use of methane-eating bacteria to reduce methane emissions in landfills. "I think we could learn a lot from these spiders," Goffredi said. Methane is the second-most abundant greenhouse gas contributing to global warming after carbon dioxide. According to the United Nations Environment Program, around 30 per cent of contemporary global warming is driven by methane released by human actions. Nicole Dubilier, who studies symbiotic relationships at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Germany, says the spider discovery is interesting, but she's skeptical that it will lead to reducing methane emissions. "I don't know if that one species is going to make such a difference," said Dubilier, who was not involved in the research. "That's not the point of this discovery." That's because it's extremely difficult to culture bacteria from the environment, she said, especially when they're in mutualistic symbiotic relationships or haven't been cultured before. WATCH | Trump wants to fast-track deepsea mining: Scientists want a ban on deep-sea mining. Trump wants to fast-track it 29 days ago Duration 1:59 A group of leading ocean and climate scientists, including Canadians, is calling for a ban on deep-sea mining just as U.S. President Donald Trump moves to fast-track undersea mining approvals. The real value of the discovery, she says, is that it sheds light on how creatures survive in deep, dark, nutrient-poor environments. That's especially important as countries have expressed an interest in ramping up deepsea mining efforts, she said. "It does matter for conservation of these special sites," Dubilier said. "You can't start destroying an environment before you understand it." Bribiesca-Contreras agrees.
Sustainability Times
24-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'We Found Alien-Like Creatures Feeding on Methane': Sea Spiders Survive on Microbes in One of Earth's Strangest Ecosystems
IN A NUTSHELL 🕷️ Scientists discovered three new species of sea spiders that graze on methane-eating microbes in the ocean depths. that graze on in the ocean depths. 🌊 These spiders thrive through a unique symbiotic relationship , where microbes convert methane into nutrients directly on their exoskeletons. , where microbes convert methane into nutrients directly on their exoskeletons. 🦠 The findings highlight the deep ocean's role in the carbon cycle and its potential in mitigating climate change . and its potential in mitigating . 🔬 The discovery opens doors for using these microbes in environmental remediation, offering new solutions to ecological challenges. In the mysterious depths of the ocean, where sunlight never reaches, a groundbreaking discovery has emerged that challenges our understanding of marine life. Scientists have uncovered three new species of sea spiders that survive not by preying on others but through a unique form of symbiosis. These tiny creatures, residing in the methane-rich environments off the U.S. West Coast, rely on methane-eating microbes for sustenance. This discovery not only provides insights into the adaptability of life in extreme conditions but also highlights the interconnectedness of Earth's ecosystems. The Unusual Diet of Sea Spiders Unlike traditional spiders, which capture and consume prey, the newly discovered sea spiders of the Sericosura genus have adopted a remarkable strategy for survival. Instead of hunting, these spiders graze on bacteria that thrive on their exoskeletons. These bacteria harness the energy from methane seeping through the ocean floor, converting it into sugars and fats that nourish their arachnid hosts. This symbiotic relationship is a novel adaptation that allows the spiders to thrive in an environment devoid of sunlight and typical food sources. The process is akin to having a self-sustaining farm right on their bodies. As Shana Goffredi from Occidental College explains, the sea spiders consume these bacteria much like humans would eat breakfast, by simply grazing the surface of their own bodies. This unique feeding strategy highlights the complex and innovative ways life can adapt to extreme conditions. Moreover, it underscores the importance of methane-fueled ecosystems in maintaining the delicate balance of our planet's carbon cycle. 'This Species Was Gone for 120 Years': Stunning Rediscovery in South America Stuns Scientists and Ignites Conservation Hopes The Role of Methane in the Ocean's Depths Methane, often considered a menace to Earth's climate, plays a crucial role in supporting life in the ocean's dark recesses. In the absence of sunlight, life forms in these regions rely on chemosynthesis, a process driven by chemicals like methane. As organic matter decomposes on the ocean floor, it releases methane, creating nutrient-rich zones that support diverse ecosystems. The newly discovered sea spiders are just one example of the incredible biodiversity that thrives in these methane seeps. Research indicates that the microbes inhabiting the sea spiders may help trap climate-warming methane before it escapes into the atmosphere. This discovery opens up possibilities for using these microbes in bioremediation efforts to clean contaminated water in other environments. By understanding how these organisms function in extreme conditions, scientists can explore new ways to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gases on our planet. '100 Men vs. 1 Gorilla': Science Settled This Ancient Debate, and the Real Winner Will Shock You to the Core The Intriguing Life Cycle of Sericosura Spiders The life cycle of the Sericosura sea spiders is as fascinating as their diet. These creatures are minuscule, measuring barely 0.4 inches in length, and their nearly transparent bodies limit their ability to roam. Despite their small size, they have developed a unique reproductive strategy. Females release hundreds of eggs from their kneecaps, which males gather and carry around in bundles wrapped around their legs. This peculiar behavior ensures the continuation of their species in an environment where survival is a constant challenge. Once the eggs hatch, the young spiders inherit the symbiotic bacteria from their fathers, providing them with an immediate food source. This efficient method of food transfer ensures that the next generation is equipped to thrive in their methane-rich habitat. The localized populations of these spiders suggest a high degree of specialization, emphasizing the importance of preserving their unique ecosystems from human activities such as deep-sea mining. 'Predator Found at 26,000 Feet': Scientists Discover First-Ever Hunter Living in the Abyss of an 8,000-Meter Ocean Trench Implications for Our Understanding of Marine Ecosystems The discovery of these methane-grazing sea spiders underscores the complexity and diversity of life in the deep sea. Contrary to popular belief, the deep ocean is not a homogeneous environment but a vibrant tapestry of distinct ecosystems. Each region supports unique species that have adapted to their specific conditions. As Shana Goffredi notes, understanding these ecosystems is crucial for sustainable ocean use and conservation efforts. The insights gained from studying these spiders and their microbial partners could inform future efforts to harness similar organisms for environmental remediation. By exploring the hidden corners of our oceans, we can uncover solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges. These discoveries remind us of the intricate connections between all living organisms and the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations. As we continue to explore the depths of our oceans, what other remarkable adaptations and symbiotic relationships might we uncover that could help us address the environmental challenges facing our planet today? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (28)
