Species diversity in deep-sea communities

Recent extensive quantitative sampling of the deep-sea bottom has revealed communities much richer in species than previously thought. In situ experiments and more precise sampling using free-vehicle instruments and submersibles have provided a more accurate assessment of spatial and temporal variation on the sea floor. These studies have demonstrated the importance of small patches (millimeters to meters) of biogenic disturbance and food input separated on spatial scales of meters to kilometers. In this respect, the processes maintaining deep-sea diversity are similar to those in other species-rich environments such as rain forests.