Scientists Discover Over 1 Million New Species of Plankton

Posted on September 27, 2012

Researchers aboard the research vessel Tara discovered over a million new species of plankton on their two-and-a-half year long, 70,000 mile voyage. The discovery increases the known species of plankton from less than 500,000 species to 1.5 million species. 30,000 water samples were taken during the journey. The Independent reports that scientists on the Tara used 3D imaging microscopes to examine the new plankton species. The researchers also found new siphonophores, tiny organisms that join together to form colonies that resemble much larger creatures. Take a look:

OCEANS
PLANKTON