Adaptation in extreme underwater vent ecosystem: a case study on Pompeii worm (Alvinella pompejana)

Abstract

The deep-sea habitats such as cold seeps and hydrothermal vents are very challenging environments displaying a high biomass compared to the adjacent environment at comparable depth. Because of the high pressure, the high temperature, massive concentrations of toxic compounds and the extreme physico-chemical gradients makes the lives very extreme in vent environment. Hypoxia is one of the challenges that these species face to live there. Therefore, most of the dwellers here lives in a highly integrated symbiosis with sulfide-oxidizing chemoautotrophic bacteria. Very few species belonging to annelids and crustaceans can survive in this ecosystem through developing specific adaptations of their respiratory system, the morphological, physiological and biochemical levels. Here, we review specific adaptations mechanisms of a prominent vent dweller Pompeii Worm (Alvinella pompejana) in order to know their morphological, physiological biochemical levels to cope with thrilling hypoxic vent environment. Most often Pompeii worm develop ventilation and branchial surfaces to assistance with oxygen extraction, and an increase in excellently tuned oxygen obligatory proteins to help with oxygen stowage and conveyance. Along with these respiratory adaptations have developed through augmentation of anaerobic capacities to contract with sulfide. The excellent thermo tolerance capacity and highly symbiotic activity makes this polychaete as one of the dominant inhabitants of the fragile vent condition.