Groundbreaking Discovery: Diverse Animal Life Found Thriving Beneath Seafloor for the First Time
October 15, 2024
The study, published in Nature Communications on October 15, 2024, utilized the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian at a depth of 8,250 feet (2,515 meters) to explore these unique ecosystems.
This discovery highlights the importance of studying the subseafloor biosphere to better understand hydrothermal vent biogeochemistry, ecology, and evolution.
Giant tubeworms, which can reach lengths of up to 10 feet (3 meters), rely on bacteria in their bodies to convert sulfur into energy, showcasing a unique adaptation to their environment.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery of diverse animal life, including worms and giant tubeworms, thriving beneath the seafloor for the first time.
Previously, research focused primarily on microbial life near hydrothermal vents, leading to the assumption that only microbes and viruses could survive in these extreme environments.
An expedition to a volcanically active ridge in the eastern Pacific revealed various creatures, such as snails and giant tubeworms, flourishing near underwater hot springs.
Microbiologist Jason Sylvan from Texas A&M University described this initial finding as promising, indicating great potential for further exploration.
The findings are significant for astrobiology, suggesting that similar life forms could exist in extreme environments on other celestial bodies, such as Jupiter's moon Europa.
With only 26% of the global seafloor mapped, many regions remain unexplored, indicating a vast potential for discovering new biodiversity.
Future research plans aim to explore whether similar colonies of animal life exist beneath other hydrothermal vents around the globe.
Researchers emphasize the need for extensive research to understand the biodiversity of these subsurface habitats before they face potential destruction.
Marine biologist Sabine Gollner noted that this discovery expands the known ecosystem of hydrothermal vents, as it is the first time animal life has been found in the ocean's crust.
Summary based on 10 sources
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Sources

Yahoo News • Oct 17, 2024
Animals found living underground near deep-sea hydrothermal vents
Yahoo News • Oct 15, 2024
Tubeworms, snails and other weird creatures found under the seafloor
AP News • Oct 15, 2024
Tubeworms, snails and other weird creatures found under the seafloor
Gizmodo • Oct 15, 2024
Scientists Discover Animals Beneath the Ocean Floor, Offering Clues to Life Beyond Earth