Why do deep sea creatures evolve into giants
What do you think?
The deep sea is vast, dark, and nearly freezing cold, teeming with giants. As we descend, we first pass through the epipelagic zone, where the sun’s energy supports a vibrant and colorful array of marine life. Below this, we enter the mesopelagic zone, or twilight zone, where light dims and photosynthesis ceases. Descending further, we reach the midnight zone, or bathypelagic zone, where sunlight is entirely absent, and the only illumination comes from bioluminescent creatures like squids and anglerfish. The pressure is immense, and the temperature is shockingly low, but the ocean still plunges deeper.
The abyssal pelagic zone stretches down to 6,000 meters, with pressure 600 times greater than at the surface. This zone is Earth's largest ecosystem, covering 300 million square kilometers—about 60% of the globe. Deeper still is the hadal pelagic zone, found in narrow V-shaped trenches from 6,000 to 11,000 meters deep, the deepest being the Mariana Trench. Despite the harsh conditions, life thrives here, evolving into ghostly, terrifying, and gigantic forms.
Examples of deep-sea gigantism include the giant Japanese spider crab, big red jellyfish, king of herrings oarfish, giant squid, Greenland shark, and giant isopods. These creatures are substantially larger than their shallow-water counterparts. In the deep sea, food becomes scarce below 400 meters as sunlight fades and photosynthetic organisms vanish. Marine snow, consisting of dead plankton, fecal pellets, and decomposing matter, sustains life in these depths. Some animals, like the vampire squid, are specially adapted to catch and consume these falling particles.
Deep-sea gigantism also involves extreme pressures of predation and food scarcity. For instance, the giant squid, a symbol of the deep sea, was photographed alive in its natural habitat only in 2004. Growing up to 13 meters long, it preys on deep-sea fish and other squid with its long tentacles, transitioning from prey to predator to survive.
However, the colossal squid, or Antarctic squid, is even larger, weighing between 500 and 700 kilograms. It lives at depths over 2,000 meters and exemplifies a slow metabolism, burning only 45 calories per day and eating just 0.03 kilograms of food daily. This slow pace of life allows the colossal squid to survive in an environment with limited visibility and scarce food.
The Greenland shark, the largest fish in the Arctic Ocean, lives over 2,000 meters deep. These sharks, which can live for over 500 years, owe their longevity to their slow metabolism. Despite being blind due to parasites, they scavenge and opportunistically feed, embodying the extreme adaptations of deep-sea life.
In the hadal trenches, up to 11,000 meters deep, marine snow barely reaches, yet life persists. Colossal amphipods and giant isopods thrive here, growing to extraordinary sizes. These scavengers store energy by gorging on available food, helping them survive long periods without meals. Some amphipods even possess unique enzymes to digest wood, converting driftwood into energy—a vital adaptation for survival in such depths.
The deep sea, though remote, is a delicate and interconnected ecosystem. Overfishing, plastic pollution, climate change, and deep-sea mining threaten these remarkable creatures. Protecting this alien yet essential world is crucial not only for the creatures themselves but also for the health of our entire planet. As we search for extraterrestrial life, we must not forget the wonders and mysteries dwelling beneath our oceans. Supporting initiatives that protect and study these ecosystems is vital for preserving their beauty and ecological significance.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Shinzou Wo sasageyo and writers in Earth and other communities.
What happend after the Dinosaurs went extinct?
66 million years ago, an asteroid as large as Mount Everest hurtled towards Earth on a catastrophic collision course. The impact was so devastating that it led to the extinction of the most gigantic and deadly reptiles to ever roam our planet. However, the dinosaurs didn't perish instantly. Their demise was a slow, agonizing process.
By Shinzou Wo sasageyoabout a year ago in Earth
Stanislav Kondrashov on the Backbone of the Energy Transition: Why Strategic Infrastructures Matter Now More Than Ever
As the world steadily moves away from traditional fuels and toward renewable energy sources, one truth is becoming increasingly clear: the energy transition is not just about new technologies—it's about the infrastructures that support them. For energy systems to evolve in a meaningful, lasting way, the scaffolding beneath them must be reimagined, reinforced, and in some cases, rebuilt entirely.
By Stanislav Kondrashov5 days ago in Earth
Gunmen Raid Village in Northern Nigeria, Killing at Least 30 People and Abducting Others
Northern Nigeria has once again been plunged into mourning after gunmen raided a rural village, killing at least 30 people and abducting several others, according to local authorities and residents. The deadly assault is the latest in a long series of violent attacks that have turned large parts of the region into zones of fear, displacement, and chronic instability. The incident underscores Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, where armed groups operate with alarming ease, targeting vulnerable communities and overwhelming local defenses. The Night of the Attack The attack occurred in the late hours when armed men stormed the village on motorcycles, firing indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze. Survivors described scenes of chaos as residents fled into nearby bushes in a desperate attempt to escape the violence. Witnesses say the attackers moved from house to house, killing civilians and forcibly abducting several villagers, including women and children. By the time security forces arrived, the gunmen had already retreated, leaving behind burned homes, lifeless bodies, and traumatized survivors. Local officials confirmed that at least 30 people were killed, though the death toll may rise as search efforts continue. A Region Trapped in Violence Northern Nigeria has become a hotspot for armed violence over the past decade. What began as localized criminal activity has evolved into a complex web of banditry, terrorism, and communal conflict. Armed groups — often referred to as bandits — carry out raids for ransom, cattle theft, and territorial control. Entire villages have been emptied as residents flee repeated attacks, contributing to a growing internal displacement crisis. In many areas, residents say they feel abandoned, with limited security presence and slow emergency response times. Abductions as a Weapon of Terror One of the most disturbing aspects of the attack was the abduction of villagers. Kidnappings have become a defining feature of insecurity in northern Nigeria, used both as a source of income and a tactic to instill fear. Victims are often held in remote forest camps, with families forced to negotiate ransoms they can barely afford. In some cases, abducted individuals are never seen again. Human rights organizations warn that mass abductions are becoming normalized, eroding trust in authorities and leaving communities feeling helpless. Security Forces Under Pressure Nigeria’s military and police face immense challenges in combating armed groups operating across vast and difficult terrain. While security forces have launched operations against bandits, limited resources, intelligence gaps, and difficult geography hinder sustained success. Residents often complain that security personnel arrive only after attacks have occurred. In remote villages, warning systems are weak, and communication infrastructure is limited. The latest attack has reignited criticism of the government’s security strategy, with calls for better intelligence, faster response times, and increased protection for rural communities. Humanitarian Impact and Displacement Beyond the immediate loss of life, attacks like this leave lasting humanitarian consequences. Survivors are often forced to abandon their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded camps or neighboring towns. Food insecurity worsens as farmlands are abandoned, contributing to rising hunger across the region. Children miss school, healthcare access declines, and communities that once relied on farming and trade are pushed deeper into poverty. Aid organizations warn that without improved security, humanitarian needs in northern Nigeria will continue to grow. Government Response and Public Outrage Nigerian authorities have condemned the attack and vowed to pursue those responsible. Statements from officials emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring peace and bringing perpetrators to justice. However, public frustration is mounting. Many citizens question why attacks continue despite repeated promises of improved security. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for accountability, reform, and stronger protection for vulnerable communities. For many Nigerians, words are no longer enough — they are demanding tangible results. The Broader Security Crisis The village raid is part of a broader national security challenge that includes insurgency in the northeast, separatist violence in the southeast, and widespread banditry in the northwest and north-central regions. Experts argue that addressing the crisis requires more than military action. Poverty, unemployment, weak governance, and the proliferation of illegal weapons all fuel instability. Without tackling these root causes, analysts warn that violence will continue to resurface in new forms and locations. Lives Lost, Questions Unanswered For the families who lost loved ones, the tragedy is deeply personal. Funerals are being held amid fear that attackers could return. Survivors grapple with trauma, loss, and uncertainty about the future. Many villagers are asking painful questions: Why was there no protection? Why do these attacks keep happening? And how many more lives must be lost before meaningful change occurs? These questions echo far beyond one village, resonating across a nation struggling to protect its citizens. Conclusion The deadly raid on a village in northern Nigeria, which left at least 30 people dead and others abducted, is a stark reminder of the country’s ongoing security crisis. It highlights the vulnerability of rural communities and the urgent need for effective, sustained solutions. Until security improves, villages will remain targets, civilians will continue to suffer, and the cycle of violence will persist. For Nigeria, the challenge is not only to respond to each attack but to create conditions where such atrocities no longer occur. The lives lost in this latest raid demand more than sympathy — they demand action, accountability, and a renewed commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
By Muhammad Hassan7 days ago in Earth
Comments