The Odd Reason Scientists are Dropping Alligator Bodies into the Gulf

Fossil records reveal a fascinating history: large marine reptiles like alligators may have been key players in the ocean’s food chain and life cycle for millennia.¹

While modern alligators are primarily associated with freshwater habitats, their occasional appearances on beaches or near ocean shores hint at a lingering connection to the marine environment.

A recent scientific study has taken this connection to a new level, exploring the role of alligator carcasses in the deep-sea ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico.²

Gulf of Mexico: A Diverse & Dynamic Ecosystem

The Gulf of Mexico is a vast body of water nestled between Mexico and the southeastern United States, connected to the Atlantic Ocean. It encompasses approximately 600,000 square miles and is home to various islands, including those off the Yucatán Peninsula.

The Gulf of Mexico boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem, harboring a wide array of marine life. From vampire squid and five sea turtle species to massive whale sharks, the Gulf is a haven for numerous creatures.

Notably, it has become an important refuge for the endangered Atlantic bluefin tuna, which seeks conservation and breeding grounds within its waters.^(ref)

A Troubled Past

Despite its ecological significance, the Gulf of Mexico faces serious environmental challenges. Oil drilling, a major industry in the region, poses a threat to the delicate balance of the ecosystem.^(ref) 

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the largest in history, caused catastrophic damage to marine life and habitats.^(ref) While the Gulf has made strides in recovery, the lasting impacts of the spill serve as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of this environment.

Alligators in the Deep

In a study, researchers dropped three alligator carcasses over a mile deep into the Gulf of Mexico. Their goal? To discover what creatures would feast on them. This unusual experiment was inspired by the observation that when whales and logs fall to the ocean floor, rare species not found elsewhere appear.^(ref) 

The researchers, who usually study how deep-sea creatures feed on trees swept into the Mississippi Delta, began wondering what happened to alligators that venture into saltwater and eventually die.

After obtaining three euthanized alligators, they lowered the carcasses into the abyssal mud of the undersea Mississippi Canyon. They observed that giant isopods and other deep-sea creatures feasted on the alligator carcasses.

Unexpected Discoveries

When the team returned to check on the carcasses, they were met with surprises. One carcass was swarming with giant isopods, football-sized crustaceans that had chewed through softer spots to reach the flesh. 

Another carcass had vanished entirely, leaving behind drag marks. The researchers concluded that a large shark must have carried it away.

New Species & Food Web Insights

The final alligator carcass was completely stripped clean, its bones covered in a new species of Osedax “zombie worms.”^(ref) 

These worms, the first of their kind found in the Gulf of Mexico, represent a potential link to the Mesozoic era and raise questions about alligators’ role in feeding marine life.

The Circle of Life in the Deep

The ocean floor is a sunless environment, devoid of photosynthesis. Animals living there depend on carbon from decaying organisms above. 

The research suggests that alligators, which are quickly consumed by scavengers like isopods, worms, and sharks, play a key role in this deep-sea food web.

By studying how these unexpected food sources are consumed, scientists gain insights into the relationships and adaptations that exist in this extreme environment. As researchers continue to explore the deep sea, we can anticipate more surprising discoveries that challenge our understanding of life on Earth.

Source:

1. Biology Letters
2. PLOS ONE