Some like it hot: Deep-sea worms seek temperatures higher than those preferred by any other known species

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A small hydrothermal vent chimney is home to thermo-tolerant sulfide worms seen here at the base of the chimney with their star-shaped gills protruding from their tubes. White patches at the base of the chimney are microbial mats. This photograph was ...
A small hydrothermal vent chimney is home to thermo-tolerant sulfide worms, seen here at the base of the chimney with their star-shaped gills protruding from their tubes. White patches at the base of the chimney are microbial mats. This photograph was taken at the Cleft hydrothermal field, located off the coast of Oregon 2,200 meters below sea level. (Courtesy of W. Chadwick/National Undersea Research Program and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute)

Scientists have found that worms dwelling at deep-sea hydrothermal vents opt for temperatures of 45-55 degrees Celsius (113-131 degrees Fahrenheit) when provided a choice of conditions, giving them the highest thermal preference of any animal studied to date. This unique preference for extreme temperatures may be the undersea worms' meal ticket, because they are apparently the only animals able to access - and feast on - lush mats of bacteria that thrive around deep-sea vents.


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