The answer is Seaside, where Jiu Liu, an entomology research associate, discovered a new species of nematode in a grassy area above the beach in 1995. The name comes from the Latin mare, for sea, and latus, for side. The discovery isn't likely to replace the city's reputation as a beach resort and spring break destination for rowdy high school students. Indeed, it passed largely unnoticed except among nematologists-scientists who specialize in the study of nematodes.
Nematodes are the most numerous multicellular animals on earth.
There are about 30,000 species of these simple worms that are so small you need a microscope to see them. Approximately 50 percent of the known nematode species are found in the ocean. Another 25 percent are free-living species found in soil or freshwater. Ten percent are parasites of plants. The remaining 15 percent are parasites of animals.