Ctenophore Discovery and Exploration

In April 2015, the NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer, using the ROV Deep Discoverer, discovered a unique ctenophore near Puerto Rico. The team, including Mike Ford and Allen Collins, observed this gelatinous animal with long tentacles, potentially a new species. Due to the ROV's limitations, they relied on high-definition video for analysis. The process of describing the new genus and species took five years. The discovery highlights the potential for future oceanic exploration and the importance of sampling for genetic information.

What was the primary mission of the NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer near Puerto Rico?

• To conduct a fishing expedition

• To explore deep-sea canyons

• To map the ocean floor

• To study weather patterns

What unique feature helps identify a ctenophore?

• Its large size

• Its rows of cilia combs

• Its ability to change shape

• Its bright red color

How long were the tentacles of the discovered ctenophore?

• 10 centimeters

• 20 centimeters

• 30 centimeters

• 40 centimeters

What was a major challenge in describing the new species of ctenophore?

• Poor weather conditions

• Limited access to the site

• Lack of high-definition video

• Inability to collect physical samples

How long did it take to describe the new genus and species?

• Five years

• Two years

• Ten years

• Three years

What was the role of Allen Collins in the discovery?

• He piloted the ROV

• He analyzed the video footage

• He was an expert in jellyfish

• He provided the ship's navigation

What is the potential benefit of sampling the discovered ctenophore?

• It would improve satellite communication

• It would allow for better video quality

• It would increase the size of the ROV

• It would unlock genetic information

Approximately how many species are known in the sea?

• 1,000,000

• 500,000

• 250,000

• 100,000

What makes the Okeanos Explorer operation unique?

• It uses manned submarines

• It only explores shallow waters

• It focuses solely on coral reefs

• It often discovers never-before-seen species

What is a key outcome of encountering new species during explorations?

• It adds to the understanding of oceanic life

• It decreases the need for further exploration

• It leads to immediate commercial applications

• It results in the discovery of new minerals