What chemical emitted by hydrothermal vents fuels the chemosynthetic bacteria farmed by Kiwa?

Answer

Hydrogen sulfide

The survival of the Yeti Crab is entirely dependent on the energy derived from chemosynthesis occurring on its appendages, rather than photosynthesis. This process requires specific chemical compounds vented from the Earth's crust at the hydrothermal vents. The symbiotic bacteria housed within the crab's hairy mats utilize these chemicals as an energy source through oxidation. The primary chemical compound identified as fueling these bacterial mats is hydrogen sulfide, which is abundantly present in the superheated, mineral-rich fluids spewing from the seafloor. By oxidizing hydrogen sulfide, these specialized bacteria produce the organic matter that the Yeti Crab consumes directly, forming the base of its unique nutritional intake cycle.

What chemical emitted by hydrothermal vents fuels the chemosynthetic bacteria farmed by Kiwa?

Related Questions

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