Summary:
– The Discovery Lecture Series: What’s That Smell? Explores the fascinating world of microorganisms in hydrothermal vents that rely on chemical energy instead of sunlight.
– These vents are challenging to study due to the difficulty and cost of accessing them in the deep sea. Still, the shallow-sea hydrothermal vents at White Point in Palos Verdes Peninsula offer a more accessible location to study similar vents.
– The biofilm communities found at the White Point vents are of particular interest, and this presentation will discuss how similar they are to deep-sea vents and if there are any differences between the intertidal and subtidal zones.
Have you ever wondered about the strange and wonderful world of hydrothermal vents in the deep sea? These hidden ecosystems are teeming with microorganisms that rely on chemical energy instead of sunlight to survive. The Discovery Lecture Series: What’s That Smell? Delves into the mysteries of these vents and the unique and diverse microorganisms that call them home.
Studying these vents is no easy task. The deep sea is a challenging environment to access, with the difficulty and cost of sending submersibles or remotely operated vehicles to visit these underwater marvels and collect samples. However, researchers have found a more accessible alternative in the shallow-sea hydrothermal vents at White Point (WP) in Palos Verdes Peninsula (PVP).
White Point is a remarkable location home to fluffy white biofilms, which give the area its name. These biofilms are found in the rocky intertidal and subtidal zones along the PVP. One of the key questions that Dr. Jesse Dillon, Professor and Chair of the Biological Sciences Department at California State University, Long Beach, aims to answer is how similar these biofilm communities are to deep-sea vents.
In his presentation, Dr. Dillon will share findings from a series of studies that use a combination of microscopy, DNA sequencing, and radiotracer techniques to explore the similarities and differences between the biofilm communities in White Point and those in deep-sea vents. This research sheds light on these microorganisms’ unique adaptations and ecological dynamics.
The intertidal zone at White Point presents an interesting challenge for researchers. Conditions in this area change daily with the tides, creating a dynamic environment for the biofilms. On the other hand, the subtidal zone offers a more stable habitat. Understanding these zones’ differences can provide valuable insights into how microorganisms adapt to changing environmental conditions.
By utilizing advanced microscopy techniques, researchers can study the structure and composition of the biofilm communities at White Point. DNA sequencing allows for identifying different microbial species present, providing a deeper understanding of the biodiversity within these ecosystems. Radiotracer techniques help determine the microorganisms’ energy sources and metabolic activities.
The discoveries made at White Point can potentially revolutionize our understanding of deep-sea hydrothermal vents. While these shallow-sea vents may not be as extreme as their deep-sea counterparts, they offer a unique opportunity to study similar types of vents without the logistical challenges and costs associated with deep-sea exploration.
One intriguing aspect of the White Point vents is the fluffy white biofilms. These biofilms are composed of many microorganisms that form complex symbiotic relationships with each other. Some microorganisms produce chemicals that attract other species, creating a thriving community where different organisms work harmoniously.
The biofilm communities found at White Point may provide clues to the broader diversity of microorganisms present in deep-sea vents. By comparing the species composition and metabolic activities of the biofilms at White Point with those in deep-sea vents, researchers can gain insights into the interconnectedness of these ecosystems.
Dr. Dillon’s research highlights the importance of studying these seemingly ordinary environments, such as the rocky intertidal and subtidal zones at White Point. Even though these locations may not capture the imagination as much as the deep-sea vents, they offer valuable insights into the mechanisms and adaptations of microorganisms.
So, next time you find yourself near the Palos Verdes Peninsula, take a moment to appreciate the hidden wonders of the White Point vents. Behind the seemingly fluffy white biofilms lies a world of microorganisms waiting to be discovered. Through scientific exploration and innovation, we can uncover the secrets of these ecosystems and gain a deeper understanding of the remarkable diversity of life on our planet.
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Source Description
Research in hydrothermal vents in the deep sea has revealed an amazing diversity of microorganisms relying on chemical energy instead of sunlight. However, studying these vents is quite challenging due to the difficulty and cost of sending submersibles or remotely operated vehicles to visit them and collect samples. The shallow-sea hydrothermal vents at White Point (WP) in Palos Verdes Peninsula (PVP) provide a much easier location to access similar types of vents, which, ironically, are less well studied.
The WP vents support fluffy white biofilms, which help give the location its name and are found in the rocky intertidal and subtidal zone along the PVP. A key question is how similar are these biofilm communities to deep-sea vents. And are there differences between the intertidal where conditions change daily with the tides and more stable subtidal vents? This presentation will describe findings from a series of studies using microscopy, DNA sequencing and radiotracer techniques to address these questions.
Dr. Jesse Dillon is a Professor and Chair of the Biological Sciences Department at California State University, Long Beach. He teaches classes in marine microbiology and microbial ecology. His research encompasses microbes in coastal habitats, including salt marshes, near-shore hydrothermal vents and inside the guts of burrowing heart urchins.
