An extraordinarily diverse array of marine life has been discovered in the deep, dark waters around Antarctica.
Scientists have found more than 700 new species of marine creatures in seas once thought too hostile to sustain such rich biodiversity.
Groups of carnivorous sponges, free-swimming worms, crustaceans and molluscs were collected.
The findings, published in the journal Nature, could provide insights into the evolution of ocean life in this area.
Dr Katrin Linse, an author of the paper and a marine biologist from British Antarctic Survey (BAS), said: "What was once thought to be a featureless abyss is in fact a dynamic, variable and biologically rich environment.
"Finding this extraordinary treasure trove of marine life is our first step to understanding the complex relationships between the deep ocean and distribution of marine life."
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