Identifying Marine Specimens and Hypotheses

Hank Green discusses a giant blue eyeball found on a Florida beach. Dr. Tom Reinert investigates the eyeball, initially thought to be from a colossal squid, but later identified as likely from a swordfish. The investigation involved analyzing the eyeball's size, smell, and structure. Genetic testing is underway to confirm the findings. The video highlights the scientific process of eliminating possibilities to reduce uncertainty.

What are two things that give the host pleasure?

• Talking to scientists and exploring deep sea creatures

• Talking to scientists and discovering new planets

• Weird stuff washing up on beaches and discovering new planets

• Talking to scientists and weird stuff washing up on beaches

What was the initial misreported size of the eyeball?

• 50 centimeters in circumference

• 25 centimeters in circumference

• 50 centimeters in diameter

• 25 centimeters in diameter

What method did Dr. Reinert use to determine the type of creature the eyeball belonged to?

• He used a microscope

• He tasted it

• He smelled it

• He used a magnifying glass

Which creature was ruled out because its eyes have gold-colored irises?

• Swordfish

• Big eye shark

• Colossal squid

• Mola mola (sunfish)

What feature of the swordfish's eye helped Dr. Reinert identify it?

• Its gold-colored irises

• Its blue color and bony rings

• Its smell

• Its size

Why are swordfish eyes large?

• Because they are predators

• Because they are nocturnal

• Because they live in shallow waters

• Because they live in deep, dark waters

What did Dr. Reinert conclude about the specimen's origin?

• It was cut out with a tool

• It was part of a scientific experiment

• It was eaten by a predator

• It was naturally washed ashore

What is the purpose of sending the eye's tissue for genetic testing?

• To determine the age of the fish

• To find out the fish's diet

• To confirm the species of the fish

• To check for diseases

What does science strive to do according to Dr. Reinert?

• Increase uncertainty

• Confirm all hypotheses

• Reduce uncertainty

• Eliminate all possibilities

What was the final hypothesis about the origin of the eyeball?

• It belonged to a mola mola

• It belonged to a colossal squid

• It belonged to a big eye shark

• It belonged to a swordfish