Scientists discover chemosynthetic shrimp, tubeworms together for first time at hydrothermal vent
Friday, September 9, 2011 - 07:00
in Biology & Nature
(PhysOrg.com) -- Ocean scientists on the NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer observed two species of marine life they believe have never before been seen together at a hydrothermal vent chemosynthetic shrimp and tubeworms. They also observed the first known live tubeworms ever seen at a hydrothermal vent in Atlantic waters. The discoveries provide clues to questions about biodiversity and the global distribution of vent organisms and ultimately the origins of life.