Stop your doomscrolling and vote for the International Mollusk of the Year!
The winner will have its complete genome sequenced!
Mollusks are awesome, and super diverse: they include snails, slugs, clams, octopuses, and more! 🐌🐙🐚
Finalists in thread 🧵
Info & VOTE here:
https://moty.senckenberg.science
The winner will have its complete genome sequenced!
Mollusks are awesome, and super diverse: they include snails, slugs, clams, octopuses, and more! 🐌🐙🐚
Finalists in thread 🧵
Info & VOTE here:
https://moty.senckenberg.science
Comments
Glaucus atlanticus
The Ocean’s Blue Dragon
Can’t wait to get my hands on that data!
👍
Muusoctopus is a genus of octopuses that thrives in the unrelenting cold of the deep sea. These octopuses are defined & distinguished from shallower relatives in part by their lack of ink sacs—an adaptation to the darkness where few predators lurk.
The Hawaiian Blackfoot Limpet Cellana exarata, a culturally cherished symbol of the Pacific Islands, is a master of survival, enduring constant waves and scorching sun on exposed rocks.
Glaucus atlanticus is a tiny but formidable predator, floating upside down on the ocean’s surface like a living jewel. Its electric blue and silver hues serve as camouflage from both aerial and underwater threats—a perfect example of countershading.
The Atlantic Carrier Shell cements objects like seashells, coral fragments, and even glass pieces onto its shell, creating an intricate mosaic that serves as both camouflage and sturdy protection.
The Ocean Quahog, acts as a living archive of Earth's history, recording centuries of oceanic and climatic changes in the rings of its shell—some specimens are over 500 years old.
Also, there's more information about each of the contestants on the website! Damned character limits.
And they are the greatest living beings in the world.
AS IF I HAVENT BEEN CAMPAIGNING FOR OCTOPUSES FOR THE LAST 5 MONTHS
This is one of the most fascinating posts I've seen on BlueSky.
I need to know if they have to be killed to have their genome sequenced.
You do not need to kill the thing you’re sequencing in order to sequence it. However, in the case of deep sea creatures like the Dorado, they cannot survive outside of the deep.
I figure they compare against the known octopus species genomes to identify genes involved in its extreme cold adaptation.
However, that Glaucus atlanticus, Ocean’s Blue Dragon looks really cool.