Life :: essays research papers

Until recently, scientists believed that the sole source of energy responsible for life on earth was the sun. In 1977, a group of scientists researching the theory of plate tectonics, traveled to the floor of the equatorial Pacific Ocean and discovered something that could possibly explain how life began on this planet. From the Galapagos Rift's thermal springs, scientists discovered densely populated communities of several species never before observed. Since that time the Federal Government has devoted more than 10 million dollars to research these communities and their evolutionary history. This figure, to many scientist's dismay, is dramatically less than that of the space exploration program's budget. For example, in 1992, the government budget for oceanography research was $600 million while NASA spent 8.5 billion. We know more about the space around us than we do about our own home. Only 1 percent of the sea floor has been mapped. The sea is the largest, most inaccessible, and least understood ecosystem on this planet. Since studies of these communities began, previous notions that cold darkness, and extreme pressure are inimical to life have been disproved. We now know that an ecosystem can be sustained by unusual energy sources. The animals that have been discovered in hydrothermal vents are fascinating as well as extremely important. The structure of these creatures is such that a new kingdom has been discovered/created. Previously scientists divided the living world into two kingdoms: bacteria, also known as prokaryote and eukaryotes (plants and animals). The difference between the two kingdoms was their genetics. The DNA of these newly discovered animals was distinct from the two other kingdoms. They have been called archaea. Research on these animals is limited since they do not grow and culture well in a laboratory. These animals live in extremely hot temperatures of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and higher, while microbes have been found living in boiling water. This revelation surely must change all of the "rules" we have for health standards. These newly discovered facts must dramatically change the way we think of life on earth. Living in these vents are entire communities of invertebrates: tube worms, mussels, clams, and even shrimp. In the absence of light and without the photosynthesizing plankton that provide most sea life with food, these animals have an alternate way to live. These invertebrates have formed symbiotic relationships with the bacteria living with them. The mechanics of this relationship are incredibly interesting. Bacteria thrive on sulfide which is found in vent water (hydrogen sulfide). They use the sulfide's chemical energy to produce organic carbon compounds similar to how plants use solar energy in photosynthesis. The bacteria employ chemical rather than light energy to transform inorganic