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Related Experiment Videos

A Chemoautotrophically Based Cave Ecosystem

Sarbu1, Kane, Kinkle

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 28, 1996
PubMed
Summary
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Cave ecosystems can be supported by chemosynthesis. Bacteria using hydrogen sulfide as energy form the base of the food web for endemic invertebrates in a unique Romanian groundwater ecosystem.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Ecology
  • Cave Biology

Background:

  • Groundwater ecosystems harbor unique microbial communities.
  • Chemoautotrophic bacteria can form the base of food webs in light-limited environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the microbial communities in a Romanian groundwater ecosystem.
  • To determine the food base supporting cave-adapted invertebrates.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of microbial mats for chemoautotrophic bacteria.
  • Stable isotope analysis (carbon and nitrogen) to trace food webs.

Main Results:

  • Chemoautotrophic bacteria utilizing hydrogen sulfide were identified.
  • These bacteria form the primary food source for 48 invertebrate species.

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  • 33 of these invertebrate species are endemic to the ecosystem.

    • Conclusions:

    • This is the only known cave ecosystem supported by in situ autotrophic production.
    • It represents the only known terrestrial community based on chemosynthesis.