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Hydrothermal Vent and Cold Seep Worms: Vestimentifera

Hydrothermal Vent And Cold Seep Worms And People

Scientists refer to hydrothermal vent and cold seep worms as "flagship" animals for deep sea habitats, especially deep-sea geysers known as hydrothermal vents. This means that these species have special appeal to people because of their beauty and may convince people to save the habitats where they and other animals live.

GUTLESS WONDERS

Hydrothermal vent and cold seep worms survive in short-lived habitats that are constantly appearing and disappearing. They must settle quickly to establish themselves and build up their numbers. Yet, they must also be able to distribute themselves over considerable distances to take advantage of new tube-building sites. How they manage to achieve both goals is still a mystery!

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceMollusks, Crustaceans, and Related SpeciesHydrothermal Vent and Cold Seep Worms: Vestimentifera - Physical Characteristics, Habitat, Diet, Behavior And Reproduction, Hydrothermal Vent And Cold Seep Worms And People - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, CONSERVATION STATUS