Final answer:
Hydrothermal vent chimneys, or black smokers, are formed when superheated water filled with minerals of metal sulfide is expelled from the Earth's mantle. Bacteria feed on the chemical energy provided by these vents, supporting a food chain and diverse animal communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hydrothermal vent chimneys, also known as black smokers, are formed when superheated water filled with minerals of metal sulfide is expelled from the Earth's mantle. The high heat and expelled chemicals provide a rich source of chemical energy, allowing microorganisms that can tolerate high temperatures to evolve. Bacteria feed on this chemical energy and form the base of a food chain that supports thriving communities of animals.