Feature Earth

Defying Depth

How deep-sea creatures, and close relatives, survive tons of water weight

By Susan Gaidos

- More than 2 years ago

When you think about life’s pressures weighing down on you, consider the plight of Palaemonetes varians — the Atlantic ditch shrimp.

By subjecting the Atlantic ditch shrimp to conditions experienced by its deep-dwelling relative Mirocaris fortunata (above), scientists hope to get a better idea of how animals handle pressure.