Microbes around vents main content.

Microbes around vents

Part of Hall of Planet Earth.

Microbes Around Vents AMNH/R.Mickens

Exhibition Text

Microbes are at the base of the food chain. Without them, there would be no animals living at hydrothermal vents. The microbes play a unique role by converting the Earth’s chemical energy into food for the rest of the vent community. For example, some microbes use hydrogen sulfide to convert carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water into organic compounds. Many microbial species live within animals, providing them with food. Others live in the rocks. Some scientists speculate that there exists an enormous subsurface microbial communities.

For Educators

Topic: Earth Science

Subtopic: Life in Extreme Environments

Keywords: Ocean bottom, Microorganisms, Extreme environments, Hydrothermal vent ecology, marine organisms

Audience: General