Deep beneath the ocean’s surface, a team of scientists has made an extraordinary discovery in a remote area of the Pacific Ocean. Using a remotely operated submarine to explore a volcanic zone, they found a hidden system of underwater caves that had remained concealed for centuries.
The researchers were amazed to discover giant tube worms, some reaching up to half a meter in length, which thrive in this unique environment. These worms don’t feed like most animals; instead, they rely on special bacteria that live inside their bodies and convert chemical substances in the water into nutrients through a process called chemosynthesis.
The cave system’s constant temperature of 24°C creates an ideal living space for these worms and potentially other species that may be hiding in the depths. This finding is significant because it expands our understanding of life in extreme environments, where sunlight is scarce or absent.
Previous research has shown that life can exist without sunlight, such as in hydrothermal vents where bacteria harness chemical energy to sustain themselves and other organisms. This new discovery highlights the vast mysteries remaining in the ocean and sparks questions about other hidden worlds waiting to be explored.
Source: https://unionrayo.com/en/underwater-discovery-giant-tube-worms