Nematodes are one of the most numerous phyla of multicellular organisms on Earth. There are at least 20,000 species known, and their populations are in the trillions. As the pioneering nematologist Nathan Cobb put it:
“If all the matter in the universe except the nematodes were swept away, our world would still be dimly recognizable, and if, as disembodied spirits, we could then investigate it, we should find its mountains, hills, vales, rivers, lakes and oceans represented by a thin film of nematodes. The location of towns would be decipherable, since for every massing of human beings there would be a corresponding massing of certain nematodes. Trees would still stand in ghostly rows representing our streets and highways. The location of the various plants and animals would still be decipherable, and, had we sufficient knowledge, in many cases even their species could be determined by an examination of their erstwhile nematode parasites. ”
Well, now it appears that nematodes are not only found all over the surface of the earth, but deep within the crust as well. Investigations at deep mines in South Africa revealed new species of nematodes two miles under the earth. These aren't surface dwellers brought down by the miners, either -- these are new species adapted to the intense heat and low oxygen of the underworld.
Life is amazingly tenacious and adaptable. We keep finding new places where it thrives. Surely this can't be the only world in the Universe where it exists?
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