The subject of cave(mine) biology is in itself extensive. Many creatures
exist which are "blind" and/or "white" and the species is only found
underground.
Fish that fit into this category are not uncommon (I have seen them myself
in caves in England Ireland and Wales). I haven't yet seen any satisfactory
answer to how they got there - one would assume they evolve from surface
creatures but finding the same species in unconnected caves implies the same
process is happening in independent locations. Perhaps we would learn a lot
more about how evolution really works (or not) from scientific study.
Interesting stuff but I fear this is getting a little off the "mining
history" theme of this discussion group other than to say if you have a
level with a known last working date the presence of creatures which are
"white &/or blind" suggests a rapid evolution rate and the history of the
mine would then be relevant to the biologist.
Regards
David
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