In News:

Marine scientists have identified a new species of deep-sea coral, named Iridogorgiachewbacca, after the iconic Star Wars character Chewbacca. The name was inspired by the coral’s long, curly, and “hairy” branches resembling the furry appearance of the Wookiee warrior from the franchise.

Discovery and Habitat

• The coral was first observed in 2006 off the coast of Moloka?i (Hawaii) and later near the Mariana Trench in 2016, within the tropical western Pacific Ocean.
• It has now been officially described and classified as a new species in the genus Iridogorgia, following extensive research and genetic testing conducted by an international team of scientists, including Professor Les Watling from the University of Hawai?i at M?noa.
• The discovery was formally published in the scientific journal Zootaxa, highlighting its contribution to deep-sea biodiversity research.

About Iridogorgiachewbacca

• Taxonomy: Belongs to the genus Iridogorgia under the class Anthozoa, a group of deep-sea soft corals.
• Physical Features:Characterised by long, flexible, spiral-like branches with a shiny surface that reflects light in unique ways. These hair-like branches give it a distinct “furry” appearance.
• Growth Pattern: The coral grows upright and solitary on deep-sea rocky substrates, often hundreds to thousands of metres below sea level.
• Colony Structure: Each coral colony is made up of thousands of small polyps working together as a single organism.

Scientific Significance

The identification of Iridogorgiachewbacca underscores the vast biodiversity of the deep ocean, much of which remains unexplored. Even in relatively well-studied regions such as the western Pacific, new species continue to be discovered, highlighting the importance of deep-sea research and conservation.

Understanding Corals

• Biological Nature: Corals are marine animals, not plants, and remain sessile (attached to the seabed).
• Symbiotic Relationship: They coexist with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which provide nutrients through photosynthesis.
• Feeding: Corals also use their tiny, tentacle-like structures to capture food particles from the surrounding water.
• Ecological Role: Coral ecosystems support immense marine biodiversity, acting as habitats, breeding grounds, and protection zones for numerous marine species.

Why It Matters

• Expands scientific understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and their unique biodiversity.
• Reinforces the need for marine conservation amid increasing threats from deep-sea mining, climate change, and ocean acidification.
• Demonstrates how popular culture references can enhance public engagement with scientific discoveries, making marine science more accessible.