Chemosynthesis
l - Chemosynthesis is the process by which certain bacteria transfer chemicals into energy. l
- occurs around hydrothermal vents l
- Bacteria converts chemicals into energy l
- “The life around hydrothermal vents depends on chemosynthesis as much as life on
the surface depends on photosynthesis.” l
- bacteria at the vents are the basis of the food chain at hydrothermal vents l
- “Animals at the vent can either eat bacteria, eat the animals that eat the bacteria, or co-exist to form a symbiotic relationship, such as the one with the bacteria and tubeworms.”