Scientists have discovered a massive coral in the Solomon Islands that holds centuries-old ocean secrets.
Scientists discovered that coral The largest in the world in the Solomon Islands. Unlike coral reefs, which are a collection of coral colonies, this huge organism coral polyp network. At 34 meters wide and over 5 meters high, it is taller than the world’s largest mammal, the blue whale. It is large enough to be seen from space. “Just when we thought there was nothing left to discover in the world, planet earth“We found a huge coral made up of almost a billion tiny polyps, pulsating with life and color,” said Enric Sala, conservationist and founder of the Pristine Seas team that made the discovery.
like that mega coralIt is thought to be around 300 yearsexciting because it can provide unique insights into historical ocean conditions.
How was the world’s largest coral found?
Scientists discovered this huge coral in the southwest of the world. Pacific Ocean When they worked from the research vessel Pristine Seas. It is three times larger than other previously discovered corals. To the untrained eye, it might look like a huge boulder, but a member of National Geographic’s Pristine Seas team dived in for a closer look and quickly realized it was a rock. giant coral or peacock peacock Interestingly, despite being located just below the ocean surface, the local community was unaware of its existence.
“This is an important scientific discovery, the discovery of the tallest tree in the world, but there are reasons to panic. Despite its remote location, this coral not safe from global warming and other human threats,” Sala added. The research team lives and works aboard their ship on a multi-month expedition that aims to promote ocean conservation by using cutting-edge technology to better understand the ocean’s marine ecosystem. Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands are known for their coral diversity
The oceans surrounding this country have the second most species in the world, with more than 490 species of hard and soft corals.
Just as reefsThis type of coral is a haven for marine life, including juvenile reef fish, crabs and shrimp, which take shelter in the coral’s dome shape. “Large adult coral colonies like this, ecosystems coral reefs due to their high reproductive potential Eric Brown, coral scientist Pristine Seas expedition.
“Although reefs spoiled by nearby shallow waters heating Witnessing this large oasis of healthy coral in slightly deeper waters is a ray of hope.” Currently, only 8.4% of the corals oceans The world is protected to a certain extent. “This is a natural monument” “We witnessed the arrival of the first Europeans in these waters,” added San Félix, who was the first to spot the coral. “Famous names of humanity coexisted with this colony: Newton, Darwin, Curie, Gandhi, Einstein… .and survived them.”
“Now It stores information on how to survive for centuries. “The genetic code of these simple polyps is a giant encyclopedia of how to survive in many climatic conditions, and so far it has done so in the face of warming oceans.”
