Researchers have discovered that an Antarctic fish’s talent for living in icy conditions without freezing solid may come with unfavorable consequences.
Researchers have discovered that an Antarctic fish’s talent for living in icy conditions without freezing solid may come with unfavorable consequences.
The study pertained specifically to notothenioids, the variety that accounts for 90 percent of the South Ocean’s population.
Their ability to thrive has been linked to an evolutionary advantage that keeps them from succumbing to their punishing environment - they have antifreeze proteins coursing through their bodies.
These proteins bind to ice crystals in the body and prevent them from growing. Researchers have discovered the proteins also prevent the crystals from melting, even when warmed.
Upon learning this, scientists began to look for possible ill effects caused by the enduring small objects.
They were unable to identify any specific health issues, but suspect that the crystals do present probable risks.
Those include blocked capillaries and inflammation.
Said one of the team members involved in the study, "This is just one more piece in the puzzle of how notothenioids came to dominate the ocean around Antarctica. It also tells us something about evolution. That is, adaptation is a story of trade-offs and compromise. Every good evolutionary innovation probably comes with some bad, unintended effects."
