Their aim is to arrive at a more realistic data when it comes to establishing sizes of undersea giants and overcoming the human bias regarding this.
The scientists also wants to establish the relationship between size and varied factors such as lifespan, environment, and nourishment. Unlike mammals that have the same diet throughout their lifespan, marine species eat different foods as they grow. Another factor is metabolism which is the amount of energy required by the species on a daily basis.
Environmental factors were also considered that could give rise to bigger species, as well as situations in which a larger size would be beneficial. An example would be the Giant Clam. The additional nourishment from symbiotic photosynthetic bacteria allows it to reach sizes of up to 1.37 meters (4.5 feet). Another example would be Whale Sharks and Blue Whales which has the ability to support a migration and subsequent fasting to reach more plankton-rich waters when its habitat is low on food.
They gathered data by contacting fisheries, marine centers, and other scientists. "It's one part a databasing effort and one part historical research: double-checking museum specimens; talking with other scientists and collectors; and even checking eBay for specimens for sale," says Craig McClain, the assistant director of the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center in Durham, N.C. and the primary author of the paper.
