Sponges found in the chilly waters of Antarctica are infested with algae that scrounge off them during the dark polar winter. Algae often live inside the cells of other animals, such as reef-building corals, but they usually provide some benefit. Giorgio Bavestrello of the University of Ancona and his colleagues have found diatoms in Antarctic sponges that are said to be the first known algal parasites. The researchers believe that this parasitic behaviour allows the algae to survive the long Antarctic winters, when it is too dark to photosynthesise ( The Biological Bulletin , Vol 198, p29).
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.