Deep Paradox

The paradox of prolific lifeforms but little food at the bottom of the seas discussed here:

http://scienceinthetriangle.org/2009/12/deep-sea-paradox-little-food-tons-of-life/


A quote from one researcher, just to peak your interest ;-) :

“It’s a constant snow of detritus at the bottom,” McClain said, “And most of it has passed through the rectum of at least two different organisms as it traveled down the water column. What arrives to the seafloor is a mixture of carbon, inorganic carbon, and other ’stuff’.  The carbon material passes through a lot of guts which both reduces the quantity and quality of the material.”