Scientists Finding Strange Life Forms in Great Salt Lake

In summary, a consortium of scientists, including a Utah biologist, have discovered strange and unique organisms in the Great Salt Lake, which may hold clues to understanding life on Mars. Despite the lake being considered dead, samples taken by microbiologists have revealed an abundance of life, with some organisms taking on unusual shapes such as pyramids and triangles. The researchers from Westminster College, University of Maryland, and George Mason University are continuing to study these organisms and their findings may be classified until more information is gathered. However, some pictures of the organisms can be found on the research website, showcasing the diverse and otherworldly beauty of the Great Salt Lake.
  • #1
Ivan Seeking
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
8,142
1,755
A consortium of scientists, including a Utah biologist, say some weird creatures found in the Great Salt Lake might help unravel some of the mysteries on Mars.

Though the Great Salt Lake is a dead sea - drying up even more this year from years of drought - it's far from dead. On the northern arm of the lake microbiologists from Westminster College in Salt Lake have been taking samples of water.

With levels now at a 30-year low, the salt in portions of the shrinking lake has reached saturation levels ten times the salinity of seawater. Westminster, the University of Maryland and George Mason University are not only finding life where life shouldn't exist, but life, perhaps like nothing of this earth. Instead of the rods, spheres and spiral shapes microbiologists are familiar with, they're seeing organisms shaped like pyramids, triangles, squares and crescents. [continued]

http://tv.ksl.com/index.php?nid=5&sid=97513
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
I wish that came with a picture of the organisms
 
  • #3
Classified I bet..

The pictures might be classified until more information on the organisms is found. Or maybe they only saw the organisms and haven't taken pictures yet. Some fish are know to be photo-sensitive, which causes problems to when they are exposed to camera flashes or light in general.
 
  • #4
The Great Salt Lake is truly a phenomenon. Visually it is like no other place the variety and beauty of moods and so forth makes it a photographer's treasure trove. Here is a link to that research. There are some pics, but I bet if you emailed there they would let you look.

http://people.westminstercollege.edu/faculty/bbaxter/FrameSet.htm
 

1. What types of life forms have scientists found in the Great Salt Lake?

Scientists have discovered a diverse range of organisms in the Great Salt Lake, including halophiles (salt-loving bacteria), brine shrimp, brine flies, and algae.

2. How do these organisms survive in the high salt concentration of the lake?

Many of the organisms found in the Great Salt Lake have evolved unique adaptations to survive in the extreme conditions. For example, halophiles have specialized enzymes that can function in high salt environments, and brine shrimp have a special organ called a "salt gland" that helps them regulate their salt levels.

3. Why is the Great Salt Lake a good place to study these unusual life forms?

The Great Salt Lake is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, making it an ideal location to study the limits of life and how organisms can adapt to extreme environments. It also provides a unique opportunity to study how these organisms may have evolved and how they interact with each other and their environment.

4. Are these life forms harmful to humans?

While some of the organisms found in the Great Salt Lake may be harmful to humans in large quantities, such as certain types of algae, the majority of them are not harmful and play important roles in the ecosystem. In fact, some of these organisms have potential for use in biotechnology and medicine.

5. What can studying these life forms in the Great Salt Lake teach us about life on other planets?

The extreme conditions of the Great Salt Lake are similar to those found on other planets, such as Mars. By studying how organisms have adapted to survive in this environment, scientists can gain insights into how life may have evolved on other planets and the potential for life to exist in other extreme environments in our universe.

Similar threads

Writing: Input Wanted Great Lakes Earth Map
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
6
Views
2K
Writing: Read Only Great Lakes Earth
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top