Marine life is home to some of the largest creatures on Earth, and deep-sea gigantism is one of the most fascinating mysteries in ocean science. From the 180,000 kg Antarctic blue whale, the largest animal on the planet, to the long-lived Greenland shark, which can grow up to 24 feet and live for over 250 years, these giants defy our expectations of size and longevity. But why do marine animals grow so large in the ocean depths?
One popular theory is Bergmann’s Rule, which suggests that animals in colder environments grow larger to conserve heat. Larger animals have a lower surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing them to retain heat more efficiently. Another theory, Kleiber’s Law, explains that bigger animals have slower metabolic rates, meaning they need less energy per unit of mass to survive. The Greenland shark, with its low metabolism, exemplifies this phenomenon by thriving in the cold depths for centuries.
But there’s more to the story than just temperature and metabolism. Studies suggest that the deep ocean’s high levels of dissolved oxygen, coupled with genetic factors, play a significant role in deep-sea gigantism.
While many questions remain unanswered, the ongoing research into deep-sea gigantism is bringing us closer to understanding the biology and evolution of these awe-inspiring creatures.
Read more here: Mother nature’s giants in the deep sea: Exploring the rationale behind their enormousness – I, Science (isciencemag.co.uk)
Content Curator: Tamara Milosavljevic – HUB Intern
