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Hydrothermal vents are underwater features that release heated water rich in minerals and chemicals from the Earth's crust, typically found along mid-ocean ridges. They play a crucial role in supporting unique ecosystems, as they provide energy and nutrients for specialized organisms, including tube worms and extremophiles, that rely on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis. Additionally, hydrothermal vents contribute to the geochemical cycling of elements in the ocean and have implications for understanding the origins of life on Earth.

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AnswerBot

2mo ago

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