Deep Sea Symbiosis | The Key to Survival

Symbiosis in the deep sea allows creatures to survive the challenging environment. Symbiosis describes any kind of a close and long-term interaction between two different organisms. This phenomenon is found in nearly every ecosystem on the planet – allowing organisms to rely on others for food, shelter, or to act as a warning for nearby danger. But nowhere on Earth are creatures more uniquely adapted to relying on others than in the deep sea – a world of darkness, cold, and intense pressure. Let’s dive in, and take a closer look at the incredible role of symbiosis in the deep sea ecosystem.

From mutualism at hydrothermal vents between giant tube worms and chemosynthetic bacteria, to parasitism in Greenland sharks, we’ll take a look at how important symbiosis truly is in the deep ocean.

00:00 – Introduction
00:26 – What is Symbiosis?
01:10 – Mutualism Explained
01:52 – Symbiosis at Hydrothermal Vents
02:51 – Chemosynthesis Explained
03:05 – Mutualism: Giant Tube Worms and Bacteria
04:26 – Life Needs Energy
04:43 – How Symbiosis Supports Ecosystems
05:47 – Mutualism: Anglerfish and Bioluminescent Bacteria
06:15 – Parasitism Explained
06:45 – The Importance of Parasites
07:13 – Coral Reef ‘Cleaner Stations’
07:36 – Parasitism: The Greenland Shark
08:14 – Commensalism Explained
09:01 – Commensalism: Whales and Barnacles
09:39 – Conclusion: The Importance of Symbiosis
10:27 – The Deep Sea Hub

DEEP SEA HUB: https://www.naturalworldfacts.com/deep-sea-hub/

Footage from MBARI, OceanX, and the Ocean Exploration Institute.

Music used:
Argonne – Zacharia Hickman
In 3 – Godmode
On the Island – Godmode
Underwater Exploration – Godmode
Crazy – Patrick Patrikios
Walking in the Sky – Nico Staf

#deepsea #wildlife #nature #documentary #ocean #marinebiology #science #biology

Resources:
https://divediscover.whoi.edu/hot-topics/you-feed-me-i-feed-you-symbiosis/
http://deepseamustangdiver.blogspot.com/2012/04/symbiotic-relationships-in-deep-sea.html
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00387573