What lives in the deep ocean?

Adaptation is the name of the game when you live thousands of feet below the water's surface. See how these deep-sea denizens make the most of their deep, dark home. read more

The average depth of the ocean is about 2.65 miles (14,000 ft) deep. The deepest part of the ocean is called the Challenger Deep, which is about 6.86 miles (36,200 ft) deep. Challenger Deep is located beneath the western Pacific Ocean in the southern end of the Mariana Trench. read more

For example, as a quick glance at the collection cards shows, deep ocean specimens tell us where and at what depths particular species live. By comparing specimens collected at different times, researchers measure variations in a species’ form over time. read more