Final answer:
Researchers aboard the Alvin discovered hydrothermal vents and their unique chemosynthetic ecosystems, altering our understanding of biology and extreme life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers aboard the research submersible Alvin made an important discovery concerning aquatic biomes. While exploring the deep-sea environments, they discovered hydrothermal vents and the unique ecosystem that thrives around them. This ecosystem is unique because it is based on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis. Unlike the majority of life on Earth that relies on the sun for energy, the life forms around these vents obtain energy from chemicals emitted by the vents. This finding has greatly impacted our understanding of biology and the possibilities of life in extreme conditions.