What in the World From blobfish to goblinshark: Why do deep ocean creatures look so weird?
12 snips
Jul 16, 2025 In this discussion, Georgina Rannard, BBC's Climate and Science correspondent, sheds light on the challenges of exploring the deep ocean. She reveals that less than 20% of the ocean has been mapped, making it tougher to reach than outer space. Rannard discusses groundbreaking discoveries, such as 'dark oxygen' and the bizarre adaptations of deep-sea creatures like blobfish and goblin sharks. The conversation highlights how new technologies are unveiling the mysteries of our planet's final frontier while emphasizing the ocean's vital role in climate regulation and oxygen production.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Blobfish Shape Depends on Pressure
- The blobfish looks ugly out of water due to tissue damage at low pressure.
- In its natural deep sea habitat, immense water pressure keeps it in normal shape.
Oceans Produce Half Earth's Oxygen
- Half of Earth's oxygen is produced by the oceans.
- This fact surprises because we don't associate water with breathable oxygen.
Challenges Limit Ocean Exploration
- Oceans are hard to explore due to extreme pressure, darkness, cold, and vastness.
- These challenges limit human access and exploration to about 20% of ocean volume.