What geological feature is essential for sustaining the dense populations of Yeti Crabs?
Answer
hydrothermal vents
The existence and high density of Yeti Crab populations are entirely dependent on the unique ecosystem provided by hydrothermal vents, or occasionally cold seeps. These geological fissures on the seafloor release mineral-rich, scalding hot water heated by subsurface lava, creating localized thermal oases in the near-freezing ambient deep ocean water. Survival requires navigating a very narrow thermal gradient; too close to the vent plume means boiling, while straying too far means freezing. The dense aggregations, sometimes reaching hundreds of individuals per square meter, cluster precisely around the most favorable flow areas created by these specific vent structures.
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