Discovery of diverse life forms beneath East Pacific Rise vents challenges previous beliefs about ecosystem viability.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown ecosystem beneath hydrothermal vents at the East Pacific Rise, off South America. The expedition revealed diverse animal life, including giant tubeworms, worms, and snails, challenging earlier beliefs that only microbes could survive there. This finding suggests that larvae may settle in the subseafloor after being drawn in with seawater. The study highlights the need for further exploration and protection of deep-sea habitats.
October 15, 2024
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