Deep Ocean

1
Deep Ocean
Benthos Nektos Chemosymbiotic
communities Deadfall communities
2
Benthos
Bathyal, abyssal, hadal No light at all below
1km Low T (3 to -18C) High O2 High P
(300-1000atm)
Not well known deeper than able to dive Limited
areas studied But high diversity Enough
nutrients, O2
3
Nekton
Squid, ctenophores, jellies, fish,
sharks Vertically zoned Not well known, same
problem as with studying benthos
4
Nekton
Bioluminescence Chemical reaction in
photocell Lures Conspecific ID Predator avoidance
5
Hydrothermal vents, seeps
First discovered 1977, Galapagos Now fairly well
studied for deep ocean, new discovery
6
Hydrothermal vents, seeps
Warm to hot water Water boiling out of black
smokers 100sC Black smokers Volcanic
activity Metals, sulfides
7
Hydrothermal vents, seeps
Tube worms, mussels, giant clams, crabs, shrimp,
eels Chemosymbiosis with sulfur-oxidizing
bacteria Predators Fossil record 450 MY, 150
MY, recent Important for understanding early
life processes
8
Whale Carcass Communities
Dead whales ? attract scavengers Temporary
community Can feed organisms for
weeks Organisms leave when whale consumed