Abyssal Zone Zone on the Bottom of the Ocean

The ocean zone where you would find organisms such as worms, sea urchins, and chemosynthetic bacteria is the abyssal zone. Worms Worms

Hydrothermal Vent Communities Chemosynthetic bacteria are producers. Chemosynthetic bacteria are producers. Energy rich hydrogen sulfide is used. Energy rich hydrogen sulfide is used. Hydrogen Sulfide comes from superheating of seawater. Hydrogen Sulfide comes from superheating of seawater. Rich ecosystem Rich ecosystem Very patchy in space and time. Very patchy in space and time.

Hydrothermal Vents

Hydrothermal Vents

Starfish and Sea Urchin Flatfish Mushroom Corals Sablefish oceanexplorer.noaa.gov

Sea Urchins

Scientists once thought that sunlight was the source of energy for all life and that photosynthesis was the only way to make food. Scientists once thought that sunlight was the source of energy for all life and that photosynthesis was the only way to make food. It is now known that reduced chemicals from hydrothermal vents provide chemosynthetic energy for some lifeforms. It is now known that reduced chemicals from hydrothermal vents provide chemosynthetic energy for some lifeforms.

High temperatures and high concentrations of dissolved minerals in seawater form compounds such as hydrogen sulfide. High temperatures and high concentrations of dissolved minerals in seawater form compounds such as hydrogen sulfide.

In a biochemical process, bacteria oxidize hydrogen sulfide and use the liberated energy to produce carbohydrates (stored chemical energy). In a biochemical process, bacteria oxidize hydrogen sulfide and use the liberated energy to produce carbohydrates (stored chemical energy).

Chemosynthesis Unlike photosynthesis, chemosynthesis requires no light and can occur at the extreme temperatures and high pressures of the deep ocean. Unlike photosynthesis, chemosynthesis requires no light and can occur at the extreme temperatures and high pressures of the deep ocean.

Chemosynthetic Food Web The chemosynthetic food web supports dense populations of uniquely adapted organisms The chemosynthetic food web supports dense populations of uniquely adapted organisms