Twisting and turning atop the muddy ooze, the acorn worm (class Enteropneusta) is an unassuming worm-like animal that has a surprising connection to Earth’s climate. Named for their acorn-shaped front end, enteropneusts are actually more closely related to humans than to worms. They have a rudimentary nerve cord that is similar to ours, and they breathe oxygen using structures similar to a fish's gills.
A constant rain of particles connects the ocean's surface to deep-sea communities far below. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere mixes into the ocean at the surface. Tiny plant-like plankton transform carbon dioxide into organic material and are then eaten by larger animals. As these animals eat, poop, and die, they create a flurry of organic material known as marine snow. The sinking snow moves nutrients and carbon all the way down to the deep seafloor, where bottom-dwelling animals, like acorn worms, enjoy a bountiful feast. This cycle is known as the biological pump.
Acorn worms are connected to us through the carbon cycle. They play a significant role in the redistribution of sediment and nutrients in deep-sea communities. As they do their part to help regulate climate, we can do our part by drastically reducing our carbon dioxide emissions. The ocean is a powerful ally that has buffered us from the impacts of climate change-now it is our turn to act on climate change to safeguard the future of the ocean and its inhabitants.
Dive into our Animals of the Deep gallery: mbari.co/AnimalsOfTheDeep
Script writer: Larissa Lemon
Science advisor: Karen Osborn
Editor: Ted Blanco
Narrator: George Matsumoto
Motion graphics: Madeline Go
Production team: Heidi Cullen, Madeline Go, Larissa Lemon, Raúl Nava, Kyra Schlining, Nancy Jacobsen Stout, Susan von Thun
Music: Spectacular views (soft ambient deep piano) by Coastal Paul