WEBVTT

00:00:04.133 --> 00:00:07.466
One reason we're out here
exploring seamounts in the Gulf of Alaska

00:00:07.466 --> 00:00:11.200
is to learn
more about the biology of deep sea corals.

00:00:11.866 --> 00:00:14.933
You're looking at an Antipatharian,
or black coral,

00:00:15.200 --> 00:00:18.666
in 1400
meters of water on Denson Seamount.

00:00:19.600 --> 00:00:21.666
The polyps at the base are elongated,

00:00:22.200 --> 00:00:26.066
suggesting they may perform
a defensive function, deterring

00:00:26.066 --> 00:00:30.800
predators like sea stars and gastropods
that prey upon the polyps.