When was Kiwa hirsuta, the Yeti Crab, first encountered by scientists?
Answer
March 2005
The initial scientific encounter with the creature nicknamed the Yeti Crab, scientifically known as *Kiwa hirsuta*, occurred during a deep-sea expedition in March 2005. This discovery was made while investigating mid-ocean ridges in the South Pacific. The subsequent official announcement detailing the organism and the creation of its new family followed a year later, in March 2006, after collection and analysis were complete. The discovery mission utilized the deep-sea submersible DSV Alvin, operating near the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge at significant depths.

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When was Kiwa hirsuta, the Yeti Crab, first encountered by scientists?What specialized, hair-like spines cover the Yeti Crab's chelipeds and legs?To which infraorder, grouping it with hermit crabs, is the Yeti Crab classified?What geological feature is essential for sustaining the dense populations of Yeti Crabs?What is the primary diet strategy involving bacteria cultivated on the Yeti Crab's bristles?Given its near-blindness, what dual sensory role might the Yeti Crab's setae perform?Which deep-sea submersible was used by the expedition that discovered Kiwa hirsuta?What entirely new biological family was created to accommodate the distinct nature of Kiwa hirsuta?What maximum density of Yeti Crabs has been observed packed per square meter near favorable vent flows?Where does the female Kiwa hirsuta attach her eggs until they hatch into larvae?