Dear Colleagues
I was fascinated to read about Lamellibrachia, the allegedly 250 year
worms from the deep sea vents in the Gulf of Mexico. I have read that the
Ocean Quahog Clam (Arctica islandica) may live up to 225 years. Is the
"Methuselah Worm" the new longevity record holder for (non-colonial)
invertebrates? Perhaps the Lamellibrachia tube's age estimate could be
calibrated by testing for radio-isotope signatures from the 1950's?
(Assuming detectable quantities of fallout reach the ocen floor.
Myles O'Reilly
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
West Region
East Kilbride
Glasgow G46 7AB
myles.oreilly at sepa.org.uk
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