Spinoloricus cinziae
Spinoloricus cinziae | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Loricifera |
Family: | Nanaloricidae |
Genus: | Spinoloricus |
Species: | S. cinziae |
Binomial name | |
Spinoloricus cinziae Neves, Gambi, Danovaro & Kristensen, 2014 | |
Spinoloricus cinziae is an animal species described in 2014 in the phylum Loricifera.[1]
It is the first animal species described that does not require oxygen at any point during its life.[2][3][4] The species, along with two other newly discovered species, Rugiloricus nov. sp. and Pliciloricus nov. sp., were found in the sediment of the anoxic L'Atalante basin of the Mediterranean Sea.[3][4]
Electron microscope images[4] show that the species' cellular innards appear to be adapted for a zero-oxygen life. Their mitochondria appear to act as hydrogenosomes, organelles which provide energy in some anaerobic single-celled creatures.[5]
With a visual resemblance to tiny cups with tentacles sticking out, the species has been said to look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ Neves, Gambi, Danovaro & Kristensen (2014) Spinoloricus cinziae (Phylum Loricifera), a new species from a hypersaline anoxic deep basin in the Mediterranean Sea. Systematics and Biodiversity, vol. 12, 4, p. 489-502 doi:10.1080/14772000.2014.943820.
- ↑ Jackson P. (8 April 2010). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8609246.stm "First oxygen-free animals found". BBC News. accessed 16 April 2010.
- 1 2 New species 'live without oxygen', The Telegraph, April 9, 2010
- 1 2 Multicelled Animals May Live Oxygen-Free, U.S. News & World Report, April 12, 2010