Image By :Zhanger Deviant Art http://zhanger.deviantart.com/art/Pompeii-Worm-18872206 |
Behavioural Adaptation
They have developed a symbiotic relationship with a bacteria that grows on its body. The bacteria feeds on the worm's mucus and in return the bacteria acts as a heat shield, insulating the worm from the hot water, these bacteria contains special chemical known as eurythermal enzymes, which allows the worm to produce energy from the chemicals in the vent water rather than sunlight and photosynthesis this process is called chemosynthesis. This type of partnership between two organisms is called symbiosis or a symbiotic relationship- one where both organisms benefit from their relationship. When the worm is born it lives inside a heat proof bubble until it grows the bacteria on its body. It has also adapted to the high water pressures that is found in the deep oceans. The pompeii worm climbs out of its tube home with his bristle like head to feed and breath, they are also filled with massive colonies of bacteria that synthesize nutrients from them due to the absent of digestive tract . [Read More:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967064597000830 ]. |