Public Names Deep-Sea Mollusc 'Ferreiraella Populi' After Global Online Campaign
In a remarkable example of citizen science, researchers have officially named a newly discovered deep-sea mollusc Ferreiraella populi, with the Latin species name meaning "of the people." This decision follows an extensive global online naming campaign that captivated thousands of participants and highlighted the growing intersection between public engagement and scientific discovery.
Discovery and the Naming Initiative
The deep-sea chiton, a type of marine mollusc, was first discovered in 2024 within the Izu-Ogasawara Trench off the coast of Japan. Found at an extraordinary depth exceeding 5,500 metres (3.4 miles), this creature belongs to a rare group known for inhabiting only sunken wood in the deep ocean. The naming initiative gained momentum after popular YouTuber Ze Frank featured the chiton from the genus Ferreiraella in an episode of his "True Facts" series, sparking widespread public interest.
Over 8,000 name suggestions were submitted through various social media platforms, demonstrating an overwhelming response from the global community. After meticulously reviewing the entries, scientists selected Ferreiraella populi as the official name. Intriguingly, eleven different participants independently proposed the same name during the online process, underscoring a collective consensus. Study author Julia Sigwar from the Natural History Museum Frankfurt expressed her astonishment, stating, "We were overwhelmed by the response and the massive number of creative name suggestions!"
Unique Characteristics and Ecological Significance
The newly named chiton possesses distinctive features that set it apart from other molluscs. It has eight armoured shell plates and an iron-clad radula, or tongue, which aids in its survival in harsh deep-sea environments. Unlike most molluscs that have a single shell, this structure allows the chiton to curl into a protective ball or cling tightly to uneven surfaces, such as deep-sea wood-falls. Some species within this group can endure depths of up to 7,000 metres in complete darkness.
Additionally, the chiton hosts a small community of worms near its tail that feed on its excrement, a detail revealed in the Biodiversity Data Journal. Chitons, particularly those in the deep sea, are rarely studied despite playing a crucial role in nutrient circulation within seafloor wood-fall ecosystems. Their conservation is increasingly important, especially given threats like deep-sea mining, as noted by marine biologists.
The Naming Process and Its Implications
Scientific names are typically assigned by the authors who publish the first formal description, adhering to international rules such as the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). Epithets often derive from physical traits, geographic locations, mythology, or individuals honoured for their contributions. However, this case marks a departure from tradition, leveraging public participation to accelerate the naming process.
Dr. Sigwart highlighted the significance of this approach, explaining, "It can often take ten, if not twenty years, for a new species to be studied, scientifically described, named, and published. Finding a name for the chiton together on social media is a wonderful opportunity to do just that! Ferreiraella populi has now been described and given a scientific name only two years after its discovery." This rapid timeline contrasts sharply with conventional methods, showcasing the potential of digital platforms to enhance scientific engagement.
Other creative suggestions from the online poll included Fereiraella ohmu, a nod to a chiton-like creature from a Studio Ghibli film and Japan, where the species was found. The successful naming of Ferreiraella populi not only celebrates public involvement but also underscores the importance of marine biodiversity conservation in the face of environmental challenges.
