Tiny Worm Found in Salty Conditions** – **Discovery Could Transform Knowledge of the Lake’s Ecosystem** – **Read More: Deep-Sea Expedition Uncovers Over 100 New Species**
Scientists have discovered a new species in Utah’s Great Salt Lake that could revolutionize our understanding of its ecosystem.
An investigation into the 950-square-mile lake began when a University of Utah researcher noticed a sign claiming only brine shrimp and flies could survive its extreme salt levels. Skeptical, the researcher and his team began sifting through sediment and found thousands of tiny nematode worms, previously thought to have vanished in 1985.
This discovery not only shows the lake’s ecosystem is more vibrant than previously thought but also highlights the importance of maintaining healthy lake levels. The lake has recently hit record low water levels, emphasizing the need for ecological balance.
Nematodes are resilient creatures found in various extreme environments. Professor Michael Werner, a nematode expert, questioned the sign during a hike in 2020 and initiated the research. With his postdoctoral student, Julie Jung, Werner explored the lake and discovered nematodes thriving inside microbialites—rock formations created by algae and bacteria.
Experiments revealed that nematodes fed with bacteria from microbialites could survive the lake’s briny water, unlike a control group fed their usual diet. This suggests nematodes might contribute to microbialite formation, potentially transporting beneficial bacteria.
Further research could enhance our understanding of the Great Salt Lake’s ecosystem and provide insights into how organisms survive in extreme conditions on other planets, like Mars.
“I think people view the lake as a stinky, lifeless place, but it’s much more than that. The more you look, the more you find,” said Jung.
