Cave ecology isolated for over 5 mllion years

In summary, a recent discovery of a cave in Romania that has been sealed off for 5.5 million years has uncovered an array of strange animals that have had little to no contact with the outside world. The food chain inside the cave is based on chemosynthesis and supports a variety of species, including 33 that are endemic. This find has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of greenhouse gases and offers a glimpse into a unique and isolated ecosystem.
  • #1
DaveC426913
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Surely this is a huge, huge find, is it not??

A living ecology, isolated for over 5 million years?

http://ecowatch.com/2016/05/24/movile-cave-romania/

Scientists Uncover Array of Strange Animals in Cave That Has Been Sealed Off for 5.5 Million Years

 
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Earth sciences news on Phys.org
  • #2
This is a fascinating discovery that could just possibly revolutionize our understanding of how to counter the build-up of greenhouse gases on Earth. And of course it is so exciting to observe all of these new species that have had little to no contact with the Outside world whatsoever before now.

I also found another source that also talks about the topic: http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150904-the-bizarre-beasts-living-in-romanias-poison-cave

My personal favorite is the waterscorpion, it causes me a great deal of wonder to think just what venom it utilizes without any outside contact. :smile:
 
  • #3
Wiki says this, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movile_Cave
Forty-eight species, among them leeches, spiders, scorpions and insects, were found inside the cave, of which 33 are endemic. The food chain is based on chemosynthesis in the form of methane- and sulfur-oxidising bacteria, which in turn release nutrients for fungi and other bacteria. This forms microbial mats on the cave walls and the surface of lakes and ponds which are grazed on by some of the animals. The grazers are then preyed on by predatory species

http://www.jcmurrell.co.uk/cave.html [Broken]
has a model of the biogeochemical process.
http://www.jcmurrell.co.uk/images/movile_cave_interactions.jpg [Broken]
Interesting stuff.
 
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  • #4
DaveC426913 said:
Surely this is a huge, huge find, is it not??

A living ecology, isolated for over 5 million years?
Agreed! Thanks for the link.
 
  • #5
256bits said:
Interesting stuff.
Very!
 

1. What is cave ecology?

Cave ecology refers to the study of the interactions between living organisms and their environment within a cave system.

2. How long has this cave been isolated for?

This cave has been isolated for over 5 million years, meaning that it has been separated from the outside world for that amount of time.

3. What types of organisms can be found in a cave isolated for over 5 million years?

Organisms that can be found in this type of cave include bacteria, fungi, invertebrates such as insects and spiders, and potentially some vertebrate species such as cave fish and bats.

4. How do these organisms survive in an isolated cave environment?

Many of these organisms have adapted to the unique conditions of the cave, such as low light levels, limited food sources, and constant temperatures. Some have also developed specialized behaviors or physical characteristics that help them survive.

5. What can studying cave ecology tell us about the evolution of species?

Studying cave ecology can provide insights into how species have adapted and evolved over millions of years in isolated environments. It can also help us understand the impact of human activities on these delicate ecosystems and inform conservation efforts.

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