Evolutionary innovation: a bone‐eating marine symbiosis

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2005.00824.x
• Publication Date: 2005-08-09T09:47:40Z
• Authors: Shana K. Goffredi; Victoria J. Orphan; Greg W. Rouse; Linda Jahnke; Tsegeria Embaye; Kendra Turk; Ray Lee; Robert C. Vrijenhoek
• Keywords: Symbiotic bacteria; Coelom; Marine invertebrates

Summary Symbiotic associations between microbes and invertebrates have resulted in some of the most unusual physiological morphological adaptations that evolved animal world. We document a new symbiosis marine polychaetes genus Osedax members bacterial group Oceanospirillales, known for heterotrophic degradation complex organic compounds. These organisms were discovered living on carcass grey whale at 2891 m depth Monterey Canyon, off coast California. The mouthless gutless worms are unique their specializations used to obtain nutrition from decomposing mammalian bones. Adult possess elaborate posterior root‐like extensions invade bone contain bacteriocytes house intracellular symbionts. Stable isotopes fatty acid analyses suggest these endosymbionts likely responsible this locally abundant reproductively prolific deep‐sea worm.