Mysterious 'Golden Orb' Identified
The orb served as an anchor for the anemone, securing it to the ocean floor in the extreme conditions of the deep sea.
Initial speculation that the object might be an egg casing or a new species of sponge was debunked after extensive DNA analysis.
The discovery highlights the surprising biological adaptations required for life in the 'midnight zone' of the ocean.
Researchers say the finding provides valuable data on the resilience of deep-sea ecosystems that remain largely unexplored.
Central library of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration library network
Gulf of Alaska
Gulf in the northern Pacific Ocean
Gulf in the northern Pacific Ocean
Smithsonian Institution
Group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government
Group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government