Why Scientists Dumped a Bunch of Dead Alligators in the Ocean

The video explores the challenges of studying the deep sea, where inhospitable conditions make it difficult to understand the ecosystem. Scientists use dead alligators to study scavengers in the Gulf of Mexico, revealing that these carcasses serve as a significant food source. The study shows that deep-sea creatures, including isopods and bone-eating worms, quickly consume the carcasses. The research suggests that reptiles may have historically been a part of the marine food chain, offering insights into how climate change might affect deep-sea ecosystems.

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