Page 202 - (DK) Super Shark Encyclopedia: And Other Creatures of the Deep

DESCENT INTO

DARKNESS

BOTTOM OF THE SEA

The surface of the ocean is bright with sunshine, wild
with waves and, in the tropics, it is warm. Deeper down,
the Sun’s rays cannot reach: it is always dark and colder
than inside a refrigerator. The deepest part of the ocean
is home to some of the strangest animals on the planet.
There is so little food down there that fish swim slowly
to save their energy. Anything that comes within range
is a potential meal—even if it’s bigger than you are.

GLOWING IN THE DARK
Many deep-sea animals have special light-
producing organs or patches in their skin.
They flash their lights to signal to mates,
or use them as a lure for attracting prey.

Giant tube worms, crabs,
and fish live around hot
water vents on the sea floor

HOT-BED OF LIFE
In places the ocean floor has volcanic
ridges that spew out super-hot water.
The animals here survive the high
temperatures and feed on chemicals
dissolved in the water.

Mouthlike hood
snaps shut when
food drifts inside

UNDER PRESSURE
Some animals, such as this
predatory tunicate, live attached
to the ocean floor. It catches tiny
floating animals in its “jaws” and,
like other deep-sea animals, has
a flabby body that can withstand
200 the high water pressure.