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Osedax mucofloris, North sea marine worm
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Osedax mucofloris, North sea marine worm
Osedax mucofloris is also known as the bone-eating snot-flower worm. The remarkable whalebone-eating polychaete worm, shown here dissected from a Minke whale bone that was recovered off the west coast of Sweden in 2005
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Adrian Annelid Annelida Aquatic Bone Cetacea Cetacean Dissected Epitheria Eutheria Glover Mammalia Placental Mammal Invertebrata
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This image showcases the intricate anatomy of Osedax mucofloris, also known as the bone-eating snot-flower worm, a remarkable invertebrate discovered on a Minke whale bone recovered off the west coast of Sweden in 2005. Belonging to the annelid family, Osedax mucofloris is a pink, tubular polychaete worm, measuring around 30 cm in length. This aciculata annelid, with its eutherian and placental mammalian prey, is an intriguing example of the complex interconnections within the marine food web. The worm's distinctive features include its pink coloration and the presence of numerous, finger-like projections, or gills, which cover its body. These gills enable the worm to filter feed on bacteria that thrive around the bone, providing the essential nutrients Osedax mucofloris requires for survival. The worm's anatomy is further highlighted in this dissection, revealing its digestive system, which is adapted to break down the mineral-rich whale bone. Osedax mucofloris is an essential part of the North Sea's marine ecosystem, playing a crucial role in the recycling of nutrients from dead whale bones. Its unique adaptation to bone consumption sets it apart from other marine invertebrates and offers fascinating insights into the intricacies of marine life. This image, captured by Adrian Glover, provides a rare glimpse into the world of this enigmatic creature, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
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