Ologies with Alie Ward – Benthopelagic Nematology (DEEP SEA WORMS) with Holly Bik

Intro

In this episode of “Ologies with Alie Ward,” Dr. Holly Bik, a pork chop nematologist, joins the show to discuss the fascinating world of benthopelagic nematology, the study of deep-sea worms. Dr. Bik shares her expertise on these skinny, thread-like creatures that inhabit the cold, dark depths of the ocean. She also highlights the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems from human activities such as deep sea mining. Join Alie Ward as she dives into the depths of the deep sea to uncover the secrets of these mysterious and unique creatures.

Main Takeaways

The World of Deep-Sea Worms

• Benthopelagic nematology is the study of deep-sea worms.
• Nematodes are skinny, thread-like worms found at the bottom of the cold, dark sea.
• The deep sea is full of weird little mouths, hairy worms, and demon nematodes.
• Different nematodes have unique features, such as long hairs or sensory pores called amphids in perfect spirals.
• Nematodes can have different types of armor, such as smooth or punctured cuticles.

The Life of Nematodes

• Nematodes live in fragile ecosystems, and deep sea mining and other human activities can have a significant impact on them.
• Nematodes use specific bacteria to navigate and communicate.
• Predatory nematodes have retractable mandibles with teeth inside and grab their prey.
• Nematodes are found in every handful of mud, dirt, sand, soil that you pick up, from Antarctica to hot soils in volcanoes.
• The Antarctic dry valleys haven’t seen rain for over 2 million years, and mummified seals can be found there.

Exploring the Deep Sea and Antarctica

• The Antarctic continent is super dry due to its unique climate, with snow and glacier formation only occurring in certain parts.
• Moisturizer is a must-have when traveling to Antarctica due to the dry climate.
• Being remote in Antarctica allowed for pursuing hobbies and disconnecting from the internet, while also appreciating the beauty of the surroundings.
• Deep sea submersibles are considered safe for scientific research.
• Alvin, a deep sea submersible, has completed over 5,000 dives since the mid-1960s without any deaths.

The Fascinating World of Nematodes

• Nematodes are common animal parasites in humans, but we should not have nematodes in us unless we have a parasite or eat undercooked pork.
• Nematodes are the wiggliest worm species, thrashing around in an S-shape due to the lack of key muscles for wriggling.
• Worms like C. elegans have some of the same proteins and neural pathways as humans, making them useful for research on diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Landworms can acknowledge the presence of other worms and build networks and tunnels together.
• The deepest worm found is a nematode, discovered 3 kilometers below the surface in a South African diamond mine.

Summary

Exploring the Deep Sea and Nematodes

Benthopelagic nematology is the study of deep-sea worms, specifically nematodes. These skinny, thread-like worms can be found in the cold, dark depths of the ocean. Dr. Holly Bik, a pork chop nematologist, shares her expertise on these fascinating creatures and highlights the unique features and adaptations of different nematode species. She also emphasizes the fragility of deep-sea ecosystems and the potential impact of human activities, such as deep sea mining. Additionally, Dr. Bik provides insights into her experiences exploring the remote and dry landscapes of Antarctica, where she collected mud samples and studied nematodes in extreme environments.

The Intriguing World of Nematodes

Nematodes, also known as roundworms, are not only found in the deep sea but also in various terrestrial environments. They play important roles in ecosystems, from bioturbation and carbon cycling in marine systems to aiding in the decomposition of organic matter in soil. Dr. Bik discusses the different types of nematodes, including predatory nematodes that actively hunt and eat other nematodes. She also highlights the potential applications of nematode research in understanding diseases and the fascinating behaviors and adaptations of these wiggly creatures.

Protecting Deep-Sea Ecosystems

Deep sea mining and other human activities pose significant threats to fragile deep-sea ecosystems. Dr. Bik emphasizes the importance of preserving these ecosystems and the need for increased awareness and action. She mentions leading figures in the fight against deep sea mining, such as marine biologist Diva Amon, ocean explorer Julie Hubert, and research scientist Beth Orkut. Dr. Bik also discusses the role of organizations like Earthjustice in advocating for the protection of the ocean and its inhabitants. By understanding the biodiversity and potential impacts of climate change on deep-sea worms, researchers can contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of these unique ecosystems.

Conclusion

Dr. Holly Bik’s expertise in benthopelagic nematology sheds light on the fascinating world of deep-sea worms, specifically nematodes. Through her research and exploration of remote and extreme environments, she unravels the mysteries of these unique creatures and highlights the importance of protecting their fragile ecosystems. By understanding the diversity, adaptations, and ecological roles of nematodes, researchers can contribute to the conservation of deep-sea habitats and the preservation of our oceans for future generations.