June 4, 2006
Ancient underground ecosystem
Israeli scientists have discovered an ancient ecosystem containing eight previously unknown species in a lake inside a cave, where the creatures were completely sheltered from the outside world for millions of years.Full story here.The newly discovered— all invertebrates— were found last month in a cave near the city of Ramle in central Israel . . .
The cave, located 328 feet below ground in a limestone quarry, includes tunnels that extend about a mile and a half. Inside lies the large underground lake where the species, some similar to scorpions and shrimp, were found.
Posted by David on June 4, 2006 6:01 PM
Comments
I hope that discovery and exploration of the cave did not introduce bacteria or other contaminants that will unbalance such a terrific find. How unlikely--a completely isolated ecosystem. A world in a [cave] bottle.
Posted by: Sarah on June 4, 2006 7:40 PM
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