Endemism and biodiversity of hydrothermal vent fauna

Abstract

Hydrothermal vent fauna represents a unique source for scientists who are involved in investigations of ecology, zoology, and biochemistry of extremophyles. However, exoskeletal and biomineral-containing structures located within these organisms are of large scientific interest for bioinspired material science and especially for extreme biomimetics. Here, we report about biodiversity, endemism, and trophic specialization and the food web of animals which habituate in these extreme environmental conditions. Numerous underwater images represented in this chapter should help for better understanding of the life near hydrothermal vents.