A team of scientists from the **Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution** (WHOI) in the United States and the **Millennium Institute of Oceanography** (IMO) in Chile made a [surprising discovery](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/sorpresa-en-la-patagonia-descubren-una-nueva-especie-de-lagarto-en-campos-volcanicos/) in one of the most unexplored places on the planet: the **Atacama Trench**. This region, located off the coasts of Peru and Chile, revealed a new species of marine predator that had never been recorded before, which the researchers named **Dulcibella camanchaca**.
While exploring the seabed remains one of the greatest challenges for science due to the extreme conditions that hinder access to these environments, the researchers had no trouble finding this new species. This recent discovery gained great relevance, as it marks [a significant advance in the understanding of deep-sea biodiversity](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/sorpresa-en-la-patagonia-descubren-una-nueva-especie-de-lagarto-en-campos-volcanicos/).
In this regard, Dr. Johanna Weston, lead co-author of the study, explained that the name **Dulcibella camanchaca** comes from [an Andean word meaning “darkness”](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/sorpresa-en-la-patagonia-descubren-una-nueva-especie-de-lagarto-en-campos-volcanicos/), in reference to the mysterious depths from which this creature originates.
This predator [measures approximately four centimeters in length and has specialized raptorial appendages](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/sorpresa-en-la-patagonia-descubren-una-nueva-especie-de-lagarto-en-campos-volcanicos/), similar to those of a praying mantis, which it uses to catch and devour small species of amphipods that inhabit its environment. What makes this species even more unique is that, after analyzing its DNA and morphology, the scientists concluded that it belongs to a completely new genus, highlighting the ecological importance of the Atacama Trench as a critical and endemic location.
## A new predator species, driving future underwater explorations
The discovery of **Dulcibella camanchaca** not only expands the catalog of known species but also [reinforces the need to continue investigating the most unexplored habitats on the planet](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/sorpresa-en-la-patagonia-descubren-una-nueva-especie-de-lagarto-en-campos-volcanicos/). According to the study’s authors, such findings demonstrate how much there is to learn about the oceans and the crucial role they play in global biodiversity.
Exploring the unknown remains [one of the greatest challenges of science](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/sorpresa-en-la-patagonia-descubren-una-nueva-especie-de-lagarto-en-campos-volcanicos/), and discoveries like this help understand the richness and complexity of the planet.
## What is the importance of researching the seabed?
Although the deep sea is a challenging territory to investigate, these places play a fundamental role in regulating the planet. This is because [the seabed serves as large reservoirs of carbon dioxide](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/sorpresa-en-la-patagonia-descubren-una-nueva-especie-de-lagarto-en-campos-volcanicos/) released into the air, as the ocean absorbs large amounts of carbon.
Researching the seabed is important for several reasons, including:
– **Understanding the ocean and the atmosphere:** marine exploration helps understand the interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, which is essential for predicting and responding to impacts.
– **Identifying threats:** seabed research helps identify threats and predict how species will be affected.
– **Protecting ecosystems:** mapping hidden reefs and vents helps identify areas needing protection from activities like trawling or mining.
– **Predicting climate:** underwater exploration studies properties of seawater and geological characteristics of the Earth’s crust, aiding in predicting climate and weather changes.
– **Discovering resources:** underwater exploration can help find clean fuels and medicines.
– **Raising public awareness:** seabed research increases public awareness of the importance of these ecosystems and the need to protect them.
The oceans are the world’s largest ecosystem and host nearly a million known species. Moreover, they are [fundamental to the planet’s functioning](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/sorpresa-en-la-patagonia-descubren-una-nueva-especie-de-lagarto-en-campos-volcanicos/), absorbing 26% of carbon dioxide emissions and providing half of the oxygen we breathe.
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