Life thrives without sunlight in deep-sea vents

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents host vibrant ecosystems without a single ray of sunlight. Discovered in 1977, these ocean floor features spew superheated, mineral-rich water from Earth's interior. Life here relies on chemosynthesis, where bacteria convert chemicals like hydrogen sulfide into energy, forming the base of the food chain. This process supports bizarre creatures like giant tube worms and eyeless shrimp.