Land of the lost: Hidden lagoon network found with living fossils similar to those from more than 3 billion years ago
The hidden lagoon network, known as the Asgardion Seamount, was discovered in the South Atlantic Ocean by an international team of scientists. Located approximately 8400 feet deep and measuring 80 km by 100 km in size, the lagoon is formed by an archipelago of underwater mountains. The area is home to a vast array of living fossils, including species that have existed for more than 3 billion years. Some of the organisms in the area include single-celled eukaryotes, different types of bacteria, and sponges.
The scientists are excited about the newly discovered ecosystem and believe it could provide insight into the beginning of complex life on Earth. The presence of these ancient organisms as well as the undeveloped nature of the ecosystem provide an ideal environment to study the origin of life and evolution of biodiversity. They believe the area may have been isolated for thousands of years, and that the discovery could provide important information for conservation efforts.
The existence of the lagoon network is a remarkable find, as it can be easily overlooked due to its remote location. It is located near the equator and is free from the effects of seasonal change. This allows the organisms to evolve at their own pace, creating an exotic and unique ecosystem. The lagoon could hold the key to unlocking the secrets of evolution and provides a pathway into the distant past.