Bone-Eating Worms Discovered on Whale Carcass

Times of India · science

Scientists have discovered two new species of bone-eating worms, Osedax rubiplumus and Osedax frankpressi, on a whale carcass in Monterey Canyon. These unique worms lack mouths and stomachs, instead using green roots to burrow into bones and symbiotic bacteria to digest fats and oils. DNA analysis indicates their common ancestor lived approximately 42 million years ago, coinciding with the evolution of whales. The female worms carry microscopic males internally, a reproductive strategy suited to their ephemeral food source.