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Chapter 25: Problem 9

What are hydrothermal vents, and what makes life around them unique?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: A hydrothermal vent is an opening in the Earth's crust, usually deep underwater, that releases hot, mineral-rich water into the ocean. Life around hydrothermal vents is unique and diverse because it has adapted to thrive in extreme conditions such as high pressure, high temperatures, complete darkness, and toxic chemicals. These organisms, including giant tube worms, yeti crabs, and extremophile bacteria, often rely on chemosynthesis for energy and have developed adaptations to tolerate their harsh environment.

Step by step solution

01

Define hydrothermal vents

Hydrothermal vents are openings in the Earth's crust, typically found deep underwater along mid-ocean ridges or near volcanic hotspots. They release hot, mineral-rich water into the cold ocean depths, and the areas surrounding these vents are teeming with unique and diverse forms of life.
02

Describe the formation of hydrothermal vents

Hydrothermal vents are formed when seawater seeps down into the Earth's crust through cracks and fissures in the ocean floor. The water becomes heated as it comes into contact with the Earth's hot mantle and picks up various minerals and chemicals. The heated water, now rich in minerals, rises back to the surface through the vents, creating a unique environment where life can thrive.
03

Discuss the importance of hydrothermal vents

Hydrothermal vents play a critical role in the Earth's geological processes by creating new seafloor and recycling ocean water. In addition, the vent ecosystems are responsible for breaking down and recycling nutrients like sulphur and methane, which sustain the unique life forms that exist around them.
04

Describe the unique life around hydrothermal vents

Life around hydrothermal vents is unique and diverse because it has adapted to thrive in extreme conditions that are generally inhospitable to most living organisms. These conditions include high pressure, high temperatures, complete darkness, and toxic chemicals. Examples of organisms found near hydrothermal vents are giant tube worms, yeti crabs, and extremophile bacteria.
05

Explain the adaptations of life around hydrothermal vents

The organisms living near hydrothermal vents have developed unique adaptations to survive in their harsh environment. For example, many organisms use chemosynthesis instead of photosynthesis to generate energy, utilizing the chemical energy derived from the minerals and chemicals released by the vents. Moreover, these organisms have developed the ability to tolerate high levels of pressure, temperature, and toxic chemicals in their surroundings. By understanding hydrothermal vents and the unique life forms that exist around them, we can gain insight into the adaptive capabilities of living organisms in extreme environments and the complex ecosystems that can form under such conditions.

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