giant tube worm

The 'giant tube worm' is a fascinating marine invertebrate known for thriving in deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria.

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Definition

C1Marine Biology

(technical, scientific)A large marine invertebrate found near deep-sea hydrothermal vents, characterized by its long, tube-like structure and reliance on symbiotic bacteria for nutrition.

Example

  • Giant tube worms can reach lengths of up to 3 meters and are commonly found in the Pacific Ocean.
  • The bright red plume of the giant tube worm is used to exchange compounds with seawater.

C1Marine Biology

(technical, scientific)A species of annelid worm, known for living in extreme environments and lacking a digestive system, instead depending on internal bacteria to convert chemicals into food.

Example

  • Riftia pachyptila is a prime example of an organism that thrives in harsh deep-sea conditions.
  • The symbiotic relationship between the giant tube worm and its bacteria is crucial for its survival.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "giant tube worm":

spaghetti wormgiant squidwhite wormspiral wormgiant octopusblood wormpeacock wormgiant tortoise