According to the UK's Daily Mail, British scientists were stunned to discover a "lost world" hidden in complete darkness 2,400 meters deep off the coast of Antarctica. The area is home to a vast array of marine life, including species of crabs, octopuses, and starfish that have never been seen by science before.
These creatures are unique because they live near undersea volcanic vents known as hydrothermal vents. The black smoke emitted from these vents heats the surrounding water to up to 380 degrees Celsius — hot enough to melt lead.
Scientists say that to survive in the lightless depths, these organisms rely on breaking down highly toxic chemicals in the vent smoke to obtain energy. The survival of these life forms in such extreme conditions could help scientists understand the origins of life and whether it could exist on other planets.
Among the more than 20 new species discovered by the scientists, the most numerous is a type of "yeti crab," about 16 centimeters long, with up to 600 individuals gathering near the volcanic vents. The crabs have dense hair-like bristles on their chests, which scientists believe the crabs use to cultivate edible bacteria.
