Testing the uniqueness of deep terrestrial life
Peter Trontelj1, Špela Borko2, Teo Delić2
1Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. peter.trontelj@bf.uni-lj.si.
Scientific Reports
|October 25, 2019
Summary
Deep cave ecosystems are not unique. Instead, subterranean life distribution is explained by a bedrock fissure network (BFN) connecting caves, not isolated deep communities.
Area of Science:
- Speleology
- Subterranean Ecology
- Karst Geomorphology
Background:
- Terrestrial life is limited in depth, with exceptions in deep caves.
- Deep cave discoveries are often compared to unique deep-sea life.
- The role of bedrock fissure networks (BFN) in subterranean ecosystems is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test hypotheses of unique deep cave fauna versus a connected BFN.
- To investigate subterranean community distribution in a karst massif.
Main Methods:
- Sampling subterranean communities within a 3D karst massif.
- Analyzing beta diversity patterns against null models.
- Comparing deep core and shallow zone communities.
Main Results:
- No significant distinction between deep core and shallow zone communities.
- Beta diversity patterns support the BFN hypothesis.
- Gravity and temperature influence fauna distribution in caves.
Conclusions:
- The concept of unique deep terrestrial fauna is unsupported.
- A bedrock fissure network (BFN) explains subterranean life distribution.
- Ecological and structural factors govern deep karst ecosystems.
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