Research
Genetic data reveal hidden extinction risks in the deep sea
Phys.org ·
The Brief
- New research led by Florida International University scientists was published in Nature Communications.
- The deep sea was previously thought to be immune to biodiversity crisis and a refuge for marine life.
- The study suggests that assumption may be wrong, pointing to hidden extinction risks there.
Why it matters
If deep-sea species face extinction risks, marine conservation and biodiversity assessments that treat the deep sea as a refuge may need revising.
Who’s affected
- marine biologists
- conservation scientists
- deep-sea researchers
A biodiversity crisis is unfolding across the planet, but the deep sea was thought immune and even a refuge for marine life. New research led by Florida International University scientists and published in Nature Communications suggests that assumption may be alarmingly wrong.