Scientists
have recently sequenced and analyzed genomes in the bacteria of anglerfish
bulbs. The anglerfish used for sampling were taken from the Gulf of Mexico. The
mutually beneficial relationship that the fish and bacteria have formed has
caused some of the genes that are a necessary part of living freely to be lost.
This is because the bacteria create light for the fish, and the fish supplies
the bacteria with nutrients. Researchers found this to be intriguing because
the fish came to be about 100 million years ago. The bacteria are an example of
a third type of symbiosis. The data suggests that the bacteria are continuously
evolving and are not stuck with their host (fish).
It is
particularly interesting to me that even though these fish evolved some 100 million years
ago, their critical bacteria are continuing to evolve. I also find it interesting that the genomes are reduced during evolution.
It's amazing how these fish still roam the ocean today! These fish need bacteria in order to live in the depth of the sea because sunlight doesn't reach it; and as mentioned, bacteria provides light for the fish.
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