Discovery of 21 new deep-sea sponge species highlights marine life’s adaptability

Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has uncovered 21 new species of sponges thriving in the deep ocean, shedding light on the adaptability of marine life in extreme environments.

Deep-sea ecosystems, characterised by high pressure, darkness, and low temperatures, remain one of the least explored areas on Earth. Despite these harsh conditions, many organisms have evolved unique adaptations to survive in these harsh conditions, yet many species remain undiscovered. Exploring and understanding these organisms is crucial for advancing both marine biodiversity research and conservation efforts.

A research team led by Dr LIM Swee Cheng, Curator of Porifera at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) at NUS discovered 21 new species of sponges residing on polymetallic nodules in the abyssal plains, over 4,000 metres beneath the ocean surface. These nodules, rich in minerals, provide a unique habitat for marine life. The sponges, which thrive in such an extreme environment, demonstrate their remarkable adaptability.

This discovery deepens our understanding of how life can flourish under extreme conditions. The research highlights the resilience of deep-sea species and their ability to survive in environments with high pressure, low temperatures, and scarce resources. The findings also emphasise the importance of preserving deep-sea ecosystems and may have implications for future biotechnological and environmental applications.

Dr Lim and his team observed these sponges living on polymetallic nodules, which are key for understanding how organisms adapt to harsh and isolated environments. This research demonstrates the evolutionary strategies that deep-sea life employs to survive in conditions previously thought to be nearly uninhabitable.

The researchers plan to continue exploring deep-sea ecosystems, with a particular focus on uncovering more species living in extreme environments. The ongoing exploration of these hidden ecosystems will provide critical data for conservation efforts and expand our knowledge of life in the ocean’s deepest depths.

Newly discovered and still unnamed deep-sea sponge species found thriving on polymetallic nodules over 4,000 metres beneath the ocean surface, exemplifies the remarkable adaptability of marine life in extreme environments. [Photo credits: Lim Swee Cheng]