S07 → N400
The Spike of Fascinating & Unexpected
SPIKE 04
→ DEEP SEA SPONGE.
© 1. Ifremer — Chondrocladia lampadiglobus / 2. Schmidt Ocean Institute & University of Western Australia — Glass sponge, Perth Canyon / 3. unknown — Lighthouse Reef, Belize / 4. Ocean Exploration Trust - Hexactinellida (Aphrocallistes beatrix) / 5. Tamara Frank & Nova Southeastern University — Hexactinellid Sponge Under UV Light / 6. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research — Carnivorous Sponge (cladorhizid) / 7. icelight (flickr) / 8. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research — Venus flower basket glass sponges (Euplectella aspergillum) / 9. Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) — Harp sponge (Chondrocladia lyra) / 10. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research — Yellow glass sponge (Bolosoma) / 11. Sven Zea — Tectitethya crypta.
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Deep-sea sponges can vary greatly in shape, size, and colour, and some species are known for their remarkable longevity, potentially living for thousands of years. For instance, the glass sponge species Monorhaphis chuni has been found to have lifespans of over 11,000 years, making them some of the longest-lived animals on Earth. They grow very slowly in the deep ocean, where conditions are stable and food is scarce, allowing them to achieve such extraordinary lifespans. The sponge Ping Pong Tree, scientifically known as Chondrocladia lampadiglobus, count as one of the most remarkable species of carnivorous sponge found in deep-sea environments. Discovered off the coast of California at depths ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 metres (6,561 to 11,482 feet), this sponge exhibits fascinating adaptations that allow it to thrive in the nutrient-scarce deep ocean.
Some deep sea sponge species also possess intricate and beautiful glass-like skeletons made of silica. These structures, known as glass sponges or hexactinellida, have a remarkable lattice-like design that not only provides strength and flexibility but also exhibits fascinating optical properties. The silica spicules of these sponges can transmit light, much like fibre-optic cables, which has inspired research into developing new materials and technologies for optical communication.
Deep sea sponges also have the ability to produce bioactive compounds with significant potential for medical applications. These compounds include a variety of chemicals that can have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Scientists are actively researching these substances, hoping to develop new drugs and treatments from them. For instance, the compound Ara-C, derived from the Caribbean sponge Cryptotethya crypta, now Tectitethya crypta, has been used as a chemotherapy drug, notably for treating leukaemia and lymphoma.
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→ Sourced from: SYSTEM 04 (Poutchka Patrol)
→ Stored online: N400 Spikes Repository
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→ Search log: Google images / Ifremer
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