Short Wave Behold! The Mysterious Ice Worm
Jan 12, 2023
Nell Greenfieldboyce, an NPR science correspondent known for her captivating reports on scientific phenomena, dives into the world of ice worms. She reveals how these tiny, black, thread-like creatures survive in the extreme glacial environments of the Pacific Northwest. Surprisingly, they thrive at zero degrees Celsius but struggle with colder temperatures. Nell also discusses their ecological significance as indicators of climate change, challenging the notion that glaciers are lifeless. Get ready to discover the surprising life hidden in ice!
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Ice Worm Misconception
- Peter Wimberger initially believed ice worms were fictional.
- A student's interest prompted him to realize they were real.
Ice Worm Description
- Ice worms are small, black worms inhabiting mountaintop glaciers.
- They resemble tiny earthworms, but they thrive in snow and ice.
Glacier Life
- Glaciers, once thought sterile, are teeming with life.
- Ice worms exemplify this, challenging previous assumptions.