Giant tube worms live in volcanic cracks and hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. These worms are the world's heaviest worms and can grow up to several feet long. Discovery In 2023, scientists discovered giant tube worms living in volcanic cracks on the East Pacific Rise The discovery was made by a team of researchers led by Dr. Monika Bright of the Schmidt Ocean Institute The researchers used a remotely operated vehicle to dig into the seafloor crust Habitat The worms live in warm pockets below the seafloor, where temperatures are estimated to be around 75 °F (24 °C) The worms live in cavities beneath slabs of solidified lava Nutrition The worms rely on chemosynthetic bacteria that live inside their bodies The worms provide the bacteria with oxygen, carbon dioxide, and chemicals The bacteria provide the worms with nutrients Significance The discovery shows that life can thrive in extreme environments The discovery suggests that unique ecosystems on the seafloor are connected The discovery suggests that the seafloor might be more populated than scientists thought
