Biologists have discovered mysterious sea larvae which produce unknown-to-science creatures

The ocean is, and the habitat of the species unknown to modern science as well as the least explored place on our planet. The Smithsonian Institution biologists have recently discovered microscopic larvae from which new creatures - so far unknown to man - may be borne.

Scientists believe that the newly-discovered larvae may belong to the phoronid worms that live at the depth of about 400 meters. To verify the assumption, biologists have studied the larva’s DNA comparing the data with that of adult species.

Though phoronids grow up to 20 cm, it is extremely difficult to detect them due to their way of life: living on corals and stones, they form an outer chitin cover and have small tentacles to capture food. The worms’ secluded way of life prevents researchers from carefully studying them, and often only worm larvae can be found.

There are many species of phoronids, and studies have shown that one of the larvae found can grow into a creature so far unknown to science. If the assumption is confirmed, we will learn a little bit more about the mysterious marine inhabitants.