Scientists discovered 2.6 million "golden eggs" near an underwater volcano off the west coast of Canada. The eggs belong to the Pacific white skate, and they were found in an area that was once thought too cold to support life, according to USA Today. The volcano is an active seamount that emits warm, mineral-rich water, creating a unique habitat for marine life.
The eggs, also known as "mermaid's purses," are unusually large, measuring 18 to 20 inches in width, and take a significant amount of time to incubate. The geothermal activity of the volcano plays a crucial role in their development, acting as a natural incubator and accelerating the gestation period. This discovery highlights the complex relationship between geological and biological processes in the deep sea and underscores the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems.