Do hyperthermophiles (microbes that live above 100 degrees Celsius) from the subsurface biosphere need oxygen?
Hyperthermophiles do not use oxygen. They are referred to as anaerobes which means “without oxygen”. Vent fluid must mix with deep sea water in order to pick up dissolved oxygen Are vent communities related to life of the photic zone? Vent communities are unique on to themselves. Their systems do not relate to those that use the sun as an energy source for making organic nutrients through photosynthesis. It is still up for discussion as to vents being a possible origin of life. Lots more work needs to be done before this will be widely accepted.
