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![A cross-section view of Desmophyllum, revealing its internal structure expl8378.jpg A cross-section view of Desmophyllum, revealing its internal structure](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/https/s3.amazonaws.com/s3-east-testmedia-noaa.woc.noaa.gov/dam/Photos/legacy/pl23_expl8378.jpg?itok=JyrgRRpJ)
Description
A cross-section view of Desmophyllum, revealing its internal structure. Thelife history of the cup corals collected will be studied extensively after theexpedition. Large specimens, such as this, were cut in half with a diamondblade then subsampled for studies on cup coral genetics, nutrition, reproduction, age and growth. Their skeletons provide insight into past ocean conditions. (Image credit: Deepwater Canyons 2013 -Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS)