Final answer:
Chemoautotrophs at hydrothermal vents sustain themselves through chemosynthesis, using the energy from chemicals in vent fluids to produce food, supporting unique ecosystems in harsh deep-sea environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Life-forms that utilize the process of chemosynthesis have been discovered at hydrothermal vents. These organisms, such as single-celled chemoautotrophs, are able to make their own food using energy stored in chemicals from hydrothermal vent fluids. This process allows them to sustain themselves in the absence of sunlight.
The environment around hydrothermal vents is inhospitable to most life-forms due to the toxic minerals, extreme pressure, cold temperatures, and complete darkness. Despite this, these vents support unique ecosystems with organisms adapted to these harsh conditions.
The substances released by hydrothermal vents, including hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methane (CH4), and other reduced molecules, provide the necessary chemicals for chemoautotrophs to perform chemosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain in these deep-sea communities.