decaturjim:

Bone devouring worms

Osedax (Latin for “bone devourer”), otherwise known as “zombie worms”, are a group of worms that, with no mouth, gut, or anus, are able to dig into whale bones to retrieve nutrients.

Recent studies have shown that the worm metabolism is assisted by symbiotic bacteria that break down ingested fats and oils, while acid-secreting enzymes in the root-like regions of the worms are released to begin the breakdown of bone material.

(via blamoscience)