Scientists have returned from an unprecedented expedition to catalogue the tiny drifters of the deep – miniature flying snails, swimming worms and shrimp-like creatures that paddle themselves with oar-like feet.
These little life forms – known as zooplankton – are essential to life as we know it on Earth. Marine biologists usually study these creatures in relatively shallow water. But they wanted to know more about the populations in deeper water, between one and five kilometers down.
Scientists on research cruise in the Bermuda Triangle used specially designed nets to capture fragile sea creatures in deep water. It is part of an effort to produce a global inventory of zooplankton by 2010.
The 28 experts from 14 countries who were on board identified an incredible variety of zooplankton – at least 500 species — but relatively few in number compared to the uppermost ocean layer. While still at sea, they sequenced the DNA of 220 of them. Some were less than a millimeter long. Others, including some of the jellyfish, were three to four centimeters in length.
molly and jason s wedding
The second wedding stemming from The Bachelor reality show was shown on ABC Monday, March 9. Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney wed in Rancho Palos Verdes, California on February 27.American Idol’s Jason Castro sang his hit song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as Molly walked down the aisle in a stunning $45,000, strapless gown by Monique Lhuillier.Jason and Molly are the first couple from “The Bachelor” show to get married. Trista and Ryan Sutter were from “The Bachelorette” and among the invited guests for Jason and Molly’s wedding. They have two young children and are still happily married. The union is not only special because something good actually came from reality television, but Jason and Molly Mesnick are making sure the lavish wedding items go to a great cause. Jason has stated on Twitter that many items from their “Bachelor” wedding are up for auction on eBay.