Much remains unknown about the deep sea, including numerous life forms still to be discovered.  But through research such as that being conducted at MBARI on jellies, scientists are learning more and more about our planet’s mysterious depths. 

• Why is the study of jellies important?
• What are scientists learning about the population and diversity of jellies?
• Why is the area just off the California coast such a good site for scientific study?
• How does the Remote Operating Vehicle optimize scientific study? What does it allow scientists to do that they couldn’t do before? (For more information about ROV’s and other underwater research vessels, go to: MBARI: Marine Operations: Vessels and Vehicles, http://www.mbari.org/dmo/vessels.htm.)

The discovery of deep sea species is an exciting part of deep sea exploration.  What have the researchers at MBARI learned so far?  What questions remain to be answered?    

• What are the physical features of jellies, and how do these features help jellies survive in their habitats?
• What is bioluminescence, and what function does it serve for animals living deep in the ocean’s depths? (For more information about bioluminescence, go to: Milstein Hall of Ocean Life: Ecosytems: Deep Sea: http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/ocean/02_ecosystems/02h3_darklights.php )
• What are some basic questions the researchers at MBARI are trying to answer about jellies?