Documentary, PBS Nova Ancient Creature of the Deep-"PBS Nova: Ancient Creature of the Deep" episode #5 is a quiz question about the coelacanth, a fish thought to be extinct until it was discovered in 1938. Question 5 asks about the coelacanth's ability to sense its environment using a specialized organ. The answer is that coelacanths use an electrical field sensor called a rostral organ, which allows them to sense prey at depths of up to 2,200 feet.
The coelacanth: The program focuses on the coelacanth, a "living fossil" that has changed little in 400 million years.
The discovery: A living coelacanth was discovered in 1938, off the coast of South Africa, by Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, after which it was identified by scientist J.L.B. Smith.
Anatomy: The coelacanth has unusual features, such as peduncular fins that have bones and could be a precursor to feet.
The quiz: The fifth question on the PBS Nova website is about the coelacanth's sensory organ.
The answer: The coelacanth uses a rostral organ to sense electrical fields and locate prey in the deep ocean, as deep as 2,200 feet.
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