Deep-sea gigantism 985527 223153007 2008-07-02T20:15:26Z 67.160.107.247 /* See also */ [[Image:Bathynomus giganteus.jpg|thumb|200px|A [[giant isopod]] (''Bathynomus giganteus'')]] In [[zoology]], '''deep-sea gigantism''', also known as '''abyssal gigantism''', is the tendency for species of [[crustaceans]], [[invertebrates]] and other deep-sea dwelling animals to display a [[largest organism|larger size]] than their shallow-water counterparts. Examples of this phenomenon include the [[giant isopod]], the [[Japanese spider crab]], the [[king of herrings]] (an [[oarfish]] of up to 11 m), the [[seven-arm octopus]], and a number of squid species: the [[colossal squid]] (up to 14 m in length), the [[giant squid]] (up to 13 m), the [[robust clubhook squid]], the [[Dana octopus squid]], ''[[Galiteuthis phyllura]]'', ''[[Kondakovia longimana]]'', and the [[bigfin squid]]s. It is not known whether this effect comes about as a result of adaptation for scarcer food resources (therefore delaying sexual maturity and resulting in greater size), greater pressure, or for other reasons. ''[[The Blue Planet]]'' series posited that larger specimens do well in the abyssal environment due to the advantages in [[body temperature]] regulation and a diminished need for constant activity, both inherent in organisms with a lower [[surface area]] to [[mass]] [[ratio]]. One example for which scientists do have an explanation is the [[giant tube worm]]. These creatures live off [[hydrothermal vents]], which supply them with enormous amounts of energy. ==See also== *[[Insular dwarfism]] *[[Island gigantism]] *[[Largest organisms]] *[[Bergmann's Rule]] *[[The Bloop]] [[Category:Aquatic organisms]] [[de:Tiefseegigantismus]] [[it:Gigantismo abissale]] [[nn:Djuphavsgigantisme]] [[ru:Глубоководный гигантизм]] {{ocean-stub}}