Vent Communities Under the Galapagos Islands
Vent communities are animals and plants that are found deep in the ocean near hot water or geothermal vents. Vents are found where the tectonic plates crack. Molten lava lies deep within the cracks and heats up the water. This ecosystem is teeming with life. They are rich in biodiversity. There are many species found near the vent communities that are not found anywhere else at the bottom of the ocean. Scientists discovered that these vents have hydrogen sulfide coming out of them. The hydrogen sulfide provides nutrients for the plants and animals. Vent animals have strange characteristics. They are giants. An example is the tube worm which grows to be nearly 3 meters long. They grow at a much faster rate. Vent clams grow five times faster than regular clams.
Vent community
(click to enlarge)