Chemosynthesis

This is an extension of your textbook page 52, on food webs that do not have access to sunlight.

//**Chemosynthesis**// is the process of using inorganic materials to create carbohydrate molecules. This is performed by a specific type of bacteria, __Chemosynthetic Bacteria__.
 * These bacteria have enzymes (called __organic catalysts__) to cause inorganic molecules to provide energy
 * The main inorganic material used is INORGANIC SULFIDE (H2S)
 * Chemosynthesis primarily takes place in two locations- CAVES and DEEP OCEAN HYDROTHERMAL VENTS

//Deep Ocean Hydrothermal Vents// The heat from undersea volcanic action provides an environment suitable for life. Chemosynthetic bacteria synthesize the inorganic molecules leaking from the asthenosphere (ie H2S) and create carbohydrates that can fuel other organisms. The bacteria are the PRODUCERS of this system. Other organisms that survive at deep ocean vents are
 * tube worms (up to 10 ft in length), provide habitat for the area
 * bacteria are in a mutualistic relationship with the tube worms. Bacteria provide energy and tube worms provide habitat
 * clams
 * crabs
 * barnacles
 * mussels
 * octopi

//Could you draw a food web of a deep-ocean hydrothermal vent community? What about an energy pyramid?//