Deep Sea Ecosystem

Introduction:
• THE DEEP SEA is the largest ecosystem on Earth, with approximately 50% of
the surface of the Earth covered by ocean more than 3,000 metres deep.
• The deep ocean is generally defined as the depth at which light begins
to dwindle.The deep-sea floor extends from around 200 m depth down the
continental slope to the abyssal plains (3,000-6,000 m) and reaches the
deepest part of the oceans in the Marianas Trench (11,000 m).
• It supports one of the largest reservoirs of biodiversity on the planet.
• These ecosystems are characterised by the absence of light, increasing
pressure with depth and low temperature waters (with some exceptions).
 Zonation

1. Mesopelagic zone: The mesopelagic zone is the

upper section of the midwater zone, and
extends from 200 to 1,000 metres below sea
level. It is known as the "twilight zone" as light
can still penetrate this layer, but it is too low to
support photosynthesis. The limited amount of
light, however, can still allow organisms to see,
and creatures with a sensitive vision can detect
prey, communicate, and orientate themselves
using their sight. Organisms in this layer have
large eyes to maximize the amount of light in
the environment
 Zonation

2. Bathyal zone: The bathyal zone is the lower

section of the midwater zone and encompasses
the depths of 1,000 to 4,000 metres. Light does
not reach this zone, due to the lack of light, it is
less densely populated than the epipelagic
zone, despite being much larger. Fish find it
hard to live in this zone, as there is crushing
pressure, cold temperatures of 4 °C, a low level
of dissolved oxygen, and a lack of sufficient
nutrients. Most of the animals that live in the
bathyal zone are invertebrates, such as sea
sponges, cephalopods, and echinoderms. With
the exception of very deep areas of the ocean,
the bathyal zone usually reaches the benthic
zone on the seafloor.
 Zonation

3. Abyssal and Hadal zone: The abyssal zone

remains in perpetual darkness at a depth of
4,000 to 6,000 metres. The only organisms that
inhabit this zone are chemotrophs and
predators that can withstand immense
pressures, sometimes as high as 76
megapascals. The hadal zone is a zone
designated for the deepest trenches in the
world, reaching depths of below 6,000
metres.The deepest point in the hadal zone is
the Marianas Trench, which descends to
10,911 metres and has a pressure of
110 megapascals.
 Characteristics of Deep-Sea Ecosystem
The deep sea ecosystem is a unique and fascinating environment that has several
distinct characteristics, including-
• HIGH PRESSURE: THE DEEP SEA IS CHARACTERIZED BY EXTREMELY HIGH PRESSURE DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE WATER ABOVE IT. THIS PRESSURE
CAN REACH UP TO 8 TONS PER SQUARE INCH AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN.
• LOW TEMPERATURE: THE DEEP SEA IS GENERALLY VERY COLD, WITH TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM JUST ABOVE FREEZING TO AROUND 4°C (39°F).
• TOTAL DARKNESS: THE DEEP SEA IS COMPLETELY DEVOID OF LIGHT, EXCEPT FOR THE FAINT BIOLUMINESCENCE PRODUCED BY SOME ANIMALS.
• LIMITED FOOD RESOURCES: DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF SUNLIGHT, THERE IS NO PHOTOSYNTHESIS TO PRODUCE ORGANIC MATTER. THEREFORE, THE
DEEP SEA ECOSYSTEM IS SUPPORTED BY A LIMITED AMOUNT OF ORGANIC MATTER THAT FALLS FROM THE SURFACE WATERS AS WELL AS
CHEMOSYNTHESIS FROM BACTERIA AND ARCHAEA.
• LOW NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY: THE DEEP SEA HAS VERY LOW NUTRIENT LEVELS, WHICH CAN LIMIT THE GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION OF MANY
ORGANISMS.
• BIODIVERSITY: DESPITE THE EXTREME CONDITIONS, THE DEEP SEA IS HOME TO A RICH AND DIVERSE ARRAY OF ORGANISMS THAT ARE ADAPTED
TO THESE CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS. MANY OF THESE ORGANISMS ARE UNIQUE TO THE DEEP SEA AND HAVE EVOLVED
SPECIALIZED ADAPTATIONS TO SURVIVE IN THIS HABITAT.
• SLOW METABOLISM: DEEP-SEA ORGANISMS TYPICALLY HAVE A SLOWER METABOLISM DUE TO THE LIMITED AVAILABILITY OF FOOD. THIS MEANS
THEY REQUIRE LESS ENERGY TO SURVIVE AND CAN LIVE FOR LONGER PERIODS WITHOUT FOOD.
• HIGH PRESSURE ADAPTATIONS: DEEP-SEA ORGANISMS HAVE EVOLVED VARIOUS ADAPTATIONS TO COPE WITH THE EXTREME PRESSURE, INCLUDING
FLEXIBLE BODIES, SPECIALIZED ENZYMES, AND LIPID MEMBRANES THAT REMAIN FLUID UNDER HIGH PRESSURE.
• HYDROTHERMAL VENTS: THE DEEP SEA ALSO FEATURES UNIQUE HYDROTHERMAL VENT SYSTEMS THAT SUPPORT A THRIVING COMMUNITY OF
CHEMOSYNTHETIC
 Characteristics of Deep-Sea Ecosystem

• Light : The deep sea begins below about 200 m, where sunlight
becomes inadequate for photosynthesis. From there to about 1,000 m,
the mesopelagic or “twilight” zone, sunlight continues to decrease until it
is gone altogether. This faint light is deep blue in color because all the
other colors of light are absorbed at depth. The deepest ocean waters
below 1,000 m are as black as night as far as sunlight is concerned. Pseudobathylagus milleri
And yet, there is some light. People who dive deep in a submersible (with
its lights off) are often mesmerized by an incredible “light show” of
floating, swirling, zooming flashes of light. This is bioluminescence, a
chemical reaction in a microbe or animal body that creates light
without heat, and it is very common. And yet, this light is low compared to
sunlight, so animals here as well as those in the mesopelagic zone
need special sensory adaptations. Many deep-sea fish such as
the stout blacksmelt have very large eyes to capture what little
light exists. Other animals such as tripod fishes are essentially blind and
instead rely on other, enhanced senses including smell, touch and
vibration.
Tripod fish
Characteristics of Deep Sea Ecosystem
Temperature : Except in polar waters, the difference in
temperature between the euphotic, or sunlit, zone near the surface
and the deep sea can be dramatic because of thermoclines, or the
separation of water layers of differing temperatures. In the tropics, for
example, a layer of warm water over 20°C floats on top of the cold,
dense deeper water. In most parts of the deep sea, the water
temperature is more uniform and constant. With the exception of
hydrothermal vent communities where hot water is emitted into the
cold waters, the deep sea temperature remains between about -1 to
about +4°C. However, water never freezes in the deep sea (note that,
because of salt, seawater freezes at -1.8°C). If it did somehow freeze,
it would just float to the surface as ice! Life in the deep is thought to
adapt to this intense cold in the same ways that shallow marine life
does in the polar seas. This is by having “loose” flexible proteins and
unsaturated membranes which do not stiffen up in the cold.
 Deep Sea Biology
Deep sea biology is the study of organisms living in the deep sea, defined as any part of the
ocean that is deeper than 200 meters. This field of study is important because the deep sea is
one of the largest and most unexplored habitats on Earth, and it is home to a vast array of
unique and often poorly understood species.
Some of the key areas of research in deep sea biology include:
• Biodiversity: Deep sea environments are incredibly diverse, with a wide range of organisms
adapted to survive in different depths, pressures, temperatures, and food sources. Scientists
are working to document and understand the biodiversity of the deep sea, which can help
us understand how these organisms have evolved to live in such extreme conditions.
• Adaptations: Deep sea organisms have evolved a range of unique adaptations to help them
survive in their environment. These may include bioluminescence, the ability to withstand
high pressure, or the ability to survive on very low levels of food. These adaptations can
help us understand the limits of life on Earth, and could also have practical applications in
fields such as medicine or engineering.
• Ecosystem dynamics: Deep sea ecosystems are interconnected and complex, with
organisms depending on each other for food and survival. Scientists are working to
understand the dynamics of these ecosystems, including how energy and nutrients
are transferred between different levels of the food chain.
• Anthropogenic impacts: The deep sea is increasingly being impacted by human
activities such as deep sea mining, oil and gas exploration, and bottom trawling.
Scientists are studying how these activities are affecting deep sea ecosystems and
the organisms that live there, and working to develop strategies to mitigate their
impact.

Overall, deep sea biology is a rapidly growing field of research that is shedding light on
one of the most mysterious and fascinating parts of our planet.
 What is bioluminescence?
• Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism.
• It is the ability of some living organisms to produce light through a chemical reaction
within their bodies. This process occurs when a pigment called luciferin reacts with
an enzyme called luciferase, producing light and a small amount of heat.
• Bioluminescence is found in a wide variety of organisms, including bacteria, fungi,
and animals such as jellyfish, squid, and fireflies. In the deep sea, bioluminescence is
particularly common, and many creatures use it for a variety of purposes, such as
attracting prey, confusing predators, or communicating with each other.
• Bioluminescence has many applications in science and medicine. For example,
researchers use bioluminescent proteins as a tool to study the behavior of cells and
to track the progression of diseases in animals. Bioluminescence is also used in
environmental monitoring to detect pollutants and other contaminants in water, and
in biotechnology to create sensors and other devices that can detect small amounts
of chemicals or biological agents.
• Overall, bioluminescence is a fascinating and important natural phenomenon that
continues to inspire scientists and researchers in a wide range of fields.
Did you know?
While some animals in the ocean emit light,
some organisms absorb light, transform it, and
eject it as a different color. This phenomenon,
called Bioflourescence, may be used in
communication and mating.
Deep Sea
Creatures