Jakarta –
Giant worms appear to be breeding beneath the seabed at hydrothermal vents in the eastern Pacific, near the Galapagos Islands, according to new research.
Scientists previously thought microbes and viruses were the only forms of life in this cramped and inhospitable seabed environment. However, a Schmidt Ocean Institute exploration last year revealed that giant tube worms also make this region their home.
“For the first time, we report the discovery of animals excavated from shallow, fluid-filled cavities on the sea floor, from deep-sea hydrothermal vents,” the researchers wrote in a study published Tuesday (15/10) in the journal Nature Communications.
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“Although microbial and viral biospheres on the seabed of deep-sea vents have been described, we show that animal life also exists on these shallow, rocky seabeds,” said the researcher, quoted from Live Science.
These cavities on the seabed are home to tube worms that are ‘giant’ in size compared to worms in general. Worms on the seabed reach 20cm in length for the Oasisia alvinae species and more than 50cm for the Riftia pachyptila species.
Researchers found the pale white creature wedged beneath a slab of hardened lava along the East Pacific Rise, a spreading ocean ridge where several tectonic plates converge off the coast of South America.
The researchers initially looked for tubeworm larvae and other hydrothermal vent creatures, which they hypothesized could colonize vents from deep within the Earth’s crust.
Hydrothermal vents form in volcanically active areas when water seeping through cracks in the sea floor comes into contact with magma and erupts as boiling, mineral-rich fluid.
This fluid attracts animals that live in symbiosis with microbes that can convert minerals into energy. But how exactly these communities recruit larvae to survive for generations remains unclear.
“Rapid colonization by these animals suggests efficient larval dispersal, with larvae assumed to be transported via bottom, ridge, and ocean currents before they settle in vents via downward swimming or sinking,” the researchers wrote in the study.
However, scientists have never observed the larvae in question in the water around hydrothermal vents, suggesting another mechanism for dispersal. The researchers suspect the larvae were sucked into the ocean crust along with seawater and moved through the seafloor before settling in vents.
To examine the possibility that the seabed could serve as a reservoir for larvae, the scientists deployed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to the vent site, approximately 2,515 meters below the sea surface.
The team used an ROV to drill holes in the seabed and lift rock slabs, revealing pockets of hydrothermal fluid within layers of hardened lava.
To their surprise, these bags were filled with adult tube worms. In one cavity, the team found two male R. pachyptila worms with sperm-filled testes and two female worms of the same species with egg-filled gonads, indicating that reproduction may occur beneath the seabed. The cracks leading from the cavity to the surface are also inhabited by them.
“There appears to be a continuous habitat for tubeworms from subseafloor cavities to the surface of the seafloor. These findings support our hypothesis that there is dispersal of larvae within the seafloor crust,” they wrote.
According to this research, larvae can enter the seabed by passing through cracks in the seabed caused by ocean currents on the seabed. Although most of them probably found their way out, the presence of adults in the cavities suggests that some larvae made a permanent home in the ocean crust.
(rns/rns)
Giant Worms and Hydrothermal Vents: The Unexpected Life Below
Jakarta – In a twist that will make you question everything you thought you knew about romantic dinners (I mean really, who needs candlelight when you have 20 cm worms breeding beneath the seabed?), researchers have discovered giant tube worms doing what they do best—living their best life near hydrothermal vents in the eastern Pacific, specifically around the Galapagos Islands. Didn’t know that’s where you could find the next great underwater soap opera? Well, you do now!
Previously, scientists believed that the only contenders for life in this cramped, inhospitable space were your common garden-variety microbes and, let’s be honest, an assortment of viruses trying their best to be the life of the party. But, thanks to a little expedition from the Schmidt Ocean Institute last year, we find out that our invertebrate friends have been hiding in plain sight, or maybe just under an impressive slab of hardened lava like a group of introverts at a party.
“For the first time, we report the discovery of animals excavated from shallow, fluid-filled cavities on the sea floor, from deep-sea hydrothermal vents,” the researchers confidently declared in their study, published in the flashy journal Nature Communications. Who needs Netflix when you have giant tube worms sparking your interest in marine life?
Yes, these aren’t your average earthworms making mud pies. The Oasisia alvinae species reaches lengths of up to a jaw-dropping 20 cm, while the even more impressive Riftia pachyptila gets over 50 cm long. I mean, if you thought *finding a worm* in your backyard was hysterical, just imagine stumbling upon these beauties! You can practically hear them saying, “Screw the dirt, we prefer minerals!”
As researchers poked around in the depths of their lava-mining expedition, they found these pale, timid creatures creeping under the cover of a hardened lava slab along the East Pacific Rise—a popular spot for tectonic plates having a good old-fashioned showdown. Surprisingly, they initially set out looking for tubeworm larvae and other assorted hydrothermal vent inhabitants, as if they were searching for the next indie hit to top the deep-sea charts.
Hydrothermal vents are like nature’s own hot tub parties, erupting with boiling, mineral-rich fluid brewed by the mingling of seafloor water and magma. These dazzling vents attract unique critters that have mastered the fine art of living in symbiosis with microbes—essentially, the worms have their own personal chefs cooking up minerals for them. However, understanding just how these communities recruit larvae to thrive generation after generation remains a bit of a mystery. Maybe those larvae just have an excellent Yelp review system?
“Rapid colonization by these animals suggests efficient larval dispersal,” the researchers noted. As if these larvae are gliding through the ocean currents with the grace of some undersea ballet troupe! But fear not, because while the larvae have eluded direct observation around the vents, scientists suspect they’re being snatched up by seawater and sneaking through the seafloor before settling down. Think of it like larval hide-and-seek. Spoiler alert: the larvae win!
In their determination to confirm whether the seabed could indeed function as a reservoir for these larvae, the clever scientists deployed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) approximately 2,515 meters below the surface. Yes, that’s right, a submersible robot—how’s that for a dinner party story? This technological marvel drilled holes and lifted rock slabs, revealing pockets of hydrothermal fluid that play host to these luscious tube worms.
To their surprise, they found these ‘bags’ brimming with adult tube worms engaging in what could only be described as a lovefest: male R. pachyptila worms with sperm-filled testes and female worms with egg-laden gonads. Talk about keeping it in the family! It seems reproduction might just occur beneath our very feet—er, fins. Who needs romantic sunsets when there’s a slimy worm cocktail of love brewing beneath the seabed?
The implications of their findings are as deep as the ocean itself. Researchers concluded, “There appears to be a continuous habitat for tubeworms from subseafloor cavities to the surface.” Lovely thought, wouldn’t you say? And if that wasn’t enough, the cracks leading from these sex dens to the surface are also under the watchful eyes of these resilient creatures.
So what’s the takeaway? These larvae can crawl into the seabed through cracks caused by an ocean current that probably had a rough night out. Most of them, it appears, find a different exit strategy, while some actually settle in the crust—a permanent resident in the worm world. Remember, if you thought your living situation was complicated, just think about those critters living on the edge of the abyss—literally!
(rns/rns)
