Deep Sea Symbiosis | The Key to Survival

Symbiosis in the deep sea allows creatures to survive the challenging environment. Symbiosis describes any kind of a close and long-term interaction between two different organisms. This phenomenon is found in nearly every ecosystem on the planet - allowing organisms to rely on others for food, shelter, or to act as a warning for nearby danger. But nowhere on Earth are creatures more uniquely adapted to relying on others than in the deep sea - a world of darkness, cold, and intense pressure. Let’s dive in, and take a closer look at the incredible role of symbiosis in the deep sea ecosystem. From mutualism at hydrothermal vents between giant tube worms and chemosynthetic bacteria, to parasitism in Greenland sharks, we’ll take a look at how important symbiosis truly is in the deep ocean. 00:00 - Introduction 00:26 - What is Symbiosis? 01:10 - Mutualism Explained 01:52 - Symbiosis at Hydrothermal Vents 02:51 - Chemosynthesis Explained 03:05 - Mutualism: Giant Tube Worms and Bacte