冰蟲

冰蟲是指Mesenchytraeus屬的環節動物的總稱，生活於北極地區的冰層中。

Mesenchytraeus solifugus是最早發現的種類，於1887年在阿拉斯加發現。是地球上極少數能在攝氏0度以下仍能生存的生物。冰蟲的酶在接近零度左右仍有活力；但溫度若超過5度，酶便會消化其細胞膜，把冰蟲本身給溶化。冰蟲可達約數公分長，體色有黑、藍、白等。在約清晨及傍晚時會接近冰層表面。以雪水藻類和花粉為食。

目前仍不清楚冰蟲如何在堅硬的冰層中建立通道。一些科學家認為冰蟲是以冰床中的超細微縫隙來旅行；一些人則相信冰蟲可以分泌某種化學物質來溶解冰層。

延伸閱讀
 Hartzell, P. (2003). Glacial Ecology: North Cascades Glacier Macroinvertebrates. Retrieved on Oct. 21, 2005, from: https://web.archive.org/web/20051212000121/http://nichols.edu/departments/Glacier/bio/index.htm
 Pelto, M. S. (2003). Ice Worms (Mesenchytraeus solifugus) and Their Habitats on North Cascade Glaciers. A study by North Cascade Glacier Climate Project. Retrieved on Sept. 28, 2005, from https://web.archive.org/web/20090209012557/http://www.nichols.edu/departments/glacier/iceworm.htm
 Shain, D. H., Carter M. R., Murray, K. P., Maleski, K. A., Smith, N. R., McBride, T. R., et al. (2000). Morphologic Characterization of the Ice Worm Mesenchytraeus solifugus. Journal of Morphology, 246, 192-197.
 Shain, D. H., Mason, T. A., Farrell, A. H., & Michalewicz, L. A. (2001). Distribution and behavior of ice worms (Mesenchytraeus solifugus) in south-central Alaska. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 79, 10, 1813-1821.

外部連結
 North Cascade Glaciers ice worms research
 World Glacier Biology Program @ Clark University

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