Deep‐Ocean Ecosystems

Abstract

Abstract The term ‘deep ocean’ typically describes any marine ecosystem located at depths higher than 500 m. This environment is characterised by an elevated hydrostatic pressure, an average temperature of 2–4 °C, the absence of sunlight and the scarce availability of organic food. Specific organisms are associated with the deepest areas, and pressure‐adapted animals as well as microorganisms inhabit these peculiar ecosystems. It is difficult to understand how we do not know much about deep sea compared to space environment, despite the fact that its distance from the ocean surface is relatively short. With no doubt, the deep‐sea biodiversity is still mostly unseen and important benefits to human health and industrial activities will be available in the future from more extensive studies on this fascinating environment. Key Concepts: The deep sea is the world's largest ecosystem. The deep‐sea biodiversity is still mostly unseen. The less diversity of animals with increasing depths is mainly due to the hydrostatic pressure, as well as to a larger competition for food coupled with a lower basal metabolism. Further insights into the natural traits of deep‐sea will lead to important benefits to human health and industrial applications. Despite the fact that the distance of deep‐sea from the ocean surface is much shorter than that between Earth and space, the abyssal environment is far to be well known.