How many viruses live in the ocean?
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Scientists estimate that a little less than two hundred thousand different viruses dwell in the waters of the oceans (think about this figure).
For seven years - namely, from 2006 to 2013 - the scientific floating vessel Tara took water samples from different parts of the World Ocean. Water for tests was taken at various geographical points and from different depth levels. The aim of the researchers was to identify the microorganisms existing there, both bacteria and viruses, and small multicellular organisms, the sizes of which did not exceed those of fish eggs. After an assessment of the "catch", the experts conducted a report. However, contrary to expectations, he did not concern the quantity and quality of the microorganisms found in general, but only viral particles. The fact is that scientists were literally shocked by the amount of DNA viruses that were found in ocean waters: namely, 195 thousand 728 species. By the way, previously it was assumed that ocean viral microorganisms exist no more than fifteen thousand.
According to the researchers, the distribution of viruses is uneven. For example, in ocean waters, scientists identified five distinct environmental areas that differ in viral content. In addition, the polar waters possessed a large viral “diversity”, in contrast to the equatorial ones. And this turned out to be an interesting discovery, since in the animal world there is an opposite version of this pattern: biological diversity increases and expands in the direction from the poles to the equatorial line.
During the day, viruses present in ocean waters attack and destroy about 20% of the microbes that also inhabit the ocean. Indeed, viral microorganisms are of great importance for building the food chain, for the organic cycle in the ocean ecosystem. Estimation of the number of viruses and their response to a change in environmental conditions - this information is extremely important for scientists.
So far, experts can’t say exactly what viruses are in question. But the peculiarities of the distribution of microorganisms that scientists have encountered make it possible to draw attention to some of their specific types. A more detailed study will be in future research expeditions.
Scientists note that the results of the work clearly demonstrate the fact that viruses are an indispensable component of the model of the oceanic ecological system. Whether this number of microorganisms carries any danger is still unknown.
“Since thousands of other viruses can be produced by a single virus, population can increase rapidly,” the scientists explain.
“Now we have a new map with designated locations and clusters of viruses, so we can better understand their effects and impact on our planet,” explains microbiology specialist Matthew Sullivan, representing Ohio University.
Information is presented on the Gizmodo website (gizmodo.com/around-the-world-expedition-finds-200-000-species-of-vi-1834283769).