[2004]
HyperSLiME is the abbreviation for the Hyperthermophilic Subsurface Lithoautotrophic Microbial Ecosystem. We assumed this sunlight-independent ecosystem to be the oldest ecosystem on the Earth. Thus, we investigated several active deep-sea hydrothermal fields in different parts of the world, and discovered the HyperSLiME, Earth's oldest ecosystem in the active deep-sea hydrothermal field in Central Indian Ridge.
HyperSLiME is the abbreviation for the Hyperthermophilic Subsurface Lithoautotrophic Microbial Ecosystem. We assumed this sunlight-independent ecosystem to be the oldest ecosystem on the Earth. Thus, we investigated several active deep-sea hydrothermal fields in different parts of the world, and discovered the HyperSLiME, Earth's oldest ecosystem in the active deep-sea hydrothermal field in Central Indian Ridge.
An electron microscope image of Methanotorris formicicum, a kind of hyperthermophilic methanogen, which is the primary producer of HyperSLiME.