An international team of researchers has discovered, for the first time, animal life in cavities under the ocean floor, near some deep hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean, writes IFL Science, which cites Nature Communications.
The new discovery suggests that much of the Earth’s crust could harbor complex life forms.
A team of researchers aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor explored the East Pacific Rise, an active volcanic area where two tectonic plates meet.
Giant worms that can reach up to 3 meters in length
While investigating how animal larvae settle on the seabed, researchers discovered animal life in cavities filled with hydrothermal fluids, located at a depth of more than 2,500 meters.
Among the species found are giant worms Riftia pachyptilawhich can reach up to 3 meters in length, and other creatures such as snails and clams.
The team recently published the results in a scientific journal, adding that the study of the subterranean biosphere for animal life is only just beginning. So, in the future, we can expect other discoveries in this regard.
Source: www.descopera.ro
