The Discovery of a New Ecosystem: Coastal Species Thriving on Plastic

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This chapter discusses the surprising discovery of coastal species living and reproducing on plastic debris in the open ocean, highlighting the significant impact of plastic pollution on marine life. It explores the creation of a new ecosystem in the middle of the ocean unintentionally caused by humans through the introduction of plastic. The chapter raises questions about the survival, evolution, and interactions of these new species with native species, emphasizing the need for further research.

Scientists didn’t think it was possible for life to thrive in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Then, they found some anemones ... and some huge questions about entire new ecosystems built on plastic.

If you want to hear more about plastic in the ocean, we have another episode about how 99% of ocean plastic is missing: http://bit.ly/3HnW9b2

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