Scientists just might have found the "cradle of life" ensconced deep beneath Antarctica. The European team believes that the waters of Antarctica could be the source of most of the marine life we have today.

Explains Angelika Brandt from the Zoological Institute and Zoological Museum at University of Hamburg, Germany, "The Antarctic deep sea is potentially the cradle of life of the global marine species. Our research results challenge suggestions that the deep sea diversity in the Southern Ocean is poor."

Harvesting samples from as much as 20,000 feet below, the team found great diversity in animal life. Many of the species they found can be found all over the world. "We now have a better understanding in the evolution of the marine species and how they can adapt to changes in climate and environments."

The findings of the expedition team led by Brandt is published in the journal Nature.