LOOK: New marine species discovered in the Philippines

by G.A. Viray June 16, 2015, 6:59 am 0 Votes 1 Comment

1. The heart urchin, a ‘living fossil’

A fossil of a sea urchin which researchers linked to a long-lost relative from the Prenaster genus was discovered at 70 feet below the ocean’s surface off Puerto Galera. It is believed to have roamed the seafloor about 50 million years ago.

It’s critical we fill the gaps in knowledge about the life that thrives in the Philippines—you never know when you’re going to discover a living fossil among the corals. We want to work with folks in the Philippines and global scientific community to help sustain these unique environments for generations to come.

The new heart urchin: a "living fossil". Photo Credit: California Academy of Sciences — The new heart urchin: a “living fossil”.
Photo Credit: California Academy of Sciences

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Written by G.A. Viray

G.A. had a lot of professional working experiences in different fields and industries before finally deciding to write articles in 2014. She is a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian who also has a passion for teaching, training and facilitating. More than all her skills and passions, she is very much grateful that she is blessed with an adorable daughter and a loving husband.