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In 2012, NOAA identified this unique octopus species living near Antarctica at a depth of 2,394 meters, roughly a mile and a half beneath the ocean's surface.Main Insights
- Even with modern exploration tools and technological advancements, it's probable that sizable, unknown animals inhabit the planet's most isolated and uncharted areas.
- Potential candidates for discovery include cryptids such as the Loch Ness Monster, deep-sea dwellers, and species hidden within dense jungles or remote landscapes.
- Ongoing scientific research and habitat preservation are essential to uncovering and safeguarding these enigmatic creatures and their ecosystems.
Many individuals believe that humanity has uncovered all there is to find. Sure, there might be a few unclassified bacteria, but when it comes to sizable creatures and uncharted territories, there's little left to explore.
Scientists disagree, pointing out recent discoveries of new species across the globe — primarily smaller mammals, fish, insects, and microbes. But does this imply that larger, unknown animals could still exist? This is the topic Matt Frederick, Ben Bowlin, and Noel Brown delve into in this episode of Stuff They Don't Want You to Know.
Approximately 8.7 million species have been classified globally, with scientists estimating another 5 million awaiting discovery. Including microbes and bacteria, this figure skyrockets to 1 trillion. Recent findings include the pygmy galago, a tiny primate from Africa; a giant spider that could haunt your dreams; and numerous aquatic species. With so many yet to be discovered, it's plausible that some could be large mammals. Could one of them be a cryptid such as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster?
It's possible. However, you won't encounter these or any other undiscovered species in your neighborhood. They are more likely to inhabit environments challenging for human exploration, such as caves, where life thrives under extreme conditions. For example, Movile Cave in Romania, known as a "poison cave" due to its oxygen-deprived, gas-rich atmosphere, has revealed numerous previously unknown species. These harsh conditions explain why these creatures remained hidden for so long.
Other inhospitable habitats include the vast Amazon rainforest, where new species of plants, insects, and mammals are discovered regularly. Thermal vents beneath Antarctica have unveiled "lost worlds" of unique animals, while the Himalayan mountains have also yielded exciting new classifications. Even deserts, seemingly the least habitable environments, have introduced us to novel creatures like ant-like bees and the Mongolian death worm. However, most experts agree that if any large, undiscovered animals exist, they are likely hiding in the ocean, the planet's most enigmatic biome.
The ocean remains as enigmatic to us as outer space. Its immense depths, brimming with life and challenging to explore, continue to guard countless secrets. Scientists believe that approximately two-thirds of marine species remain undiscovered. With extinction rates rising, many creatures vanish before we can even study them. Listen to the podcast to hear Matt, Ben, and Noel share their insights on whether we'll ever fully understand the diverse life forms we coexist with on this planet.
