What specific physiological adaptation do deep-sea anglerfish possess to cope with food scarcity?
Answer
Expandable stomachs capable of swallowing prey up to twice their own size
Survival in the deep-sea environment is dictated by the scarcity of available food resources. To counteract this challenge, deep-sea anglerfish have evolved a specialized internal mechanism: expandable stomachs. This unique anatomical feature allows them to capitalize opportunistically on infrequent feeding events by accommodating prey items that are significantly larger than themselves. Specifically, they have the capacity to swallow prey that measures up to twice their own size. This adaptation ensures that when a rare feeding opportunity arises, the energy gain is maximized to sustain them through the long periods between successful hunts.
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