Life without light. Is this really possible? Yes, as of 1977 we know that it is. Life in extremely polluted, toxic environments is also possible. Imagine both of these conditions occurring simultaneously -- then you should be imagining a black smoker community with highly specialized organisms.

A black smoker is an actively venting structure found at hydrothermal vent sites. Out of these structures spews an extremely toxic and superheated fluid which is loaded with sulfide, which is actually poisonous to you and me. In addition, these structures are located at great depths, where absolutely no sunlight penetrates. How can a food web be supported while lacking any primary producers, such as plants? (Primary producers are organisms which form the base of our food web, providing energy for higher trophic levels.)

Food webs in hydrothermal vents are supported by certain bacteria which can produce their own food, as plants do when they perform photosynthesis. They are called chemosynthetic bacteria. They form the base of the food web for more complex organisms, like TUBEWORMS!!!!

Tubeworms are amazing creatures. Not only do they have no mouth, but they also have no gut and no anus! Their food is provided by the bacteria that live inside of them. It is fascinating that they can survive these extremely harsh conditions. As humans, we are constantly complaining it's too hot or it's too cold. Well, imagine having your feet at temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius, which is 104 degrees Fahrenheit and your head at temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius, which is 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, imagine yourself surrounded by toxic gases all day long. Tubeworms have made this horrible environment their home.

The tubeworms have developed a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. This relationship allows them to thrive while living in these polluted conditions. Symbiosis is when two different organisms live together. The bacteria is using the sulfide absorbed by the tubeworm to harness energy (Yes, the bacteria live right inside of the tubeworm!) Symbiotic relationships are very common to organisms inhabiting other parts of the Earth's biosphere.

On board the Thompson there are two biologists, Istvan Urcuyo from Pennsylvania State University and Jozee Sarrazin from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, performing long-term research on tubeworms and studying the environments that these critters live in. Jozee and Istvan are working on identifying the community as a whole and how they interact, how they're distributed, and measuring their combined weight and size. Jozee will be trying to see what physical characteristics are necessary for each community. Stay tuned for the
outcome!!

--Denise Unger