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Using the new technique, Dr. Katija and her collaborators were able, for the first time, to map the structure of the larvaceans inner filter, identifying its precise shape and the exact function of its parts. Added computer power let team members turn the visualization into a movie that enabled them to effectively fly through the filter and scrutinize its flows.Until now, no scientist has had the chance to examine such complicated structures in the deep creatures, Dr. Katija said. Such visualizations, she and her team wrote in their paper, can shed light on some of natures most complex forms.The papers other authors are Giancarlo Troni, Joost Daniels, Kelly Lance, Rob E. Sherlock, Alana D. Sherman and Dr. Robison. Except for Dr. Troni, an engineer at the Catholic university in Santiago, the researchers work at the California marine institute.The new technique could at least potentially have an enormous impact on marine science, because the worlds oceans are so vast and the denizens of their inky depths so mysterious. Scientists estimate that more than 99 percent of the planets biosphere resides in the oceans.Fishermen know its surface waters, but in general, compared to land, the global ocean is unknown.Dr. Robison has estimated that up to half the creatures of the sea remain undiscovered mainly the otherworldly ones of the middle depths.If an alien civilization came to look at the dominant life form on the planet, theyd be out looking at midwater creatures, he said in 1994. In terms of biomass, numbers of individuals, geographical extent any way you want to slice it these are the biggest ecological entities on earth. But we know virtually nothing about them.
