Source link : https://earth-news.info/general/endemism-shapes-viral-ecology-and-evolution-in-globally-distributed-hydrothermal-vent-ecosystems-nature/
A groundbreaking new study published in Nature reveals how endemism-the ecological state of species being unique to a defined location-profoundly influences the viral communities thriving in hydrothermal vent ecosystems scattered across the globe’s ocean floors. These isolated, extreme environments, known for their unique chemical and physical conditions, host distinct viral populations that not only shape local microbial life but also drive evolutionary processes in surprising ways. By uncovering patterns of viral diversity and adaptation linked to geographic isolation, the research sheds fresh light on the complex interplay between viruses and their hosts in some of Earth’s most remote and dynamic habitats.
Endemism Drives Unique Viral Communities in Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents
Recent explorations into the viral ecosystems of deep-sea hydrothermal vents have unveiled an intricate tapestry of viral life shaped predominantly by endemism. These isolated, extreme environments foster viral communities that are strikingly unique to each vent system, reflecting localized evolutionary pressures and host interactions. Unlike surface marine environments, where viral populations often overlap geographically, the viruses thriving in these abyssal hotspots demonstrate a high degree of genetic divergence – emphasizing the role of physical and ecological barriers in sculpting viral diversity.
The study highlights several key factors underpinning this viral…
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Author : earthnews
Publish date : 2025-08-02 22:31:00
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