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Scientists Discover Over 100 New Marine Species in Uncharted New Zealand Waters

The expedition, part of the Ocean Census project, uncovers diverse marine life and challenges existing taxonomic classifications.

  • Scientists embarked on a three-week voyage off New Zealand's coast, discovering over 100 new marine species in the unexplored Bounty Trough.
  • The discovery includes a variety of marine life, such as mollusks, three types of fish, a shrimp, a cephalopod, and potentially a new genus of coral.
  • One of the most intriguing finds is a creature that may represent not only a new species but also a new genus or even a new group outside of known categories, challenging current taxonomic classifications.
  • The Ocean Census project, which aims to document 100,000 new species in a decade, led the expedition as part of a global effort to explore and map the ocean's biodiversity.
  • This discovery highlights the vast unknown of oceanic life, with an estimated 91% of ocean species yet to be discovered, emphasizing the importance of continued exploration.
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