Microbial Life in Ancient Subseafloor Basalt
Author Information
Author(s): Sylvan Jason B., Tully Benjamin J., Morono Yuki, Alt Jeffrey C., Grim Sharon L., Inagaki Fumio, Koppers Anthony A. P., Edwards Katrina J.
Primary Institution: University of Southern California
Hypothesis
Microbial life exists in subseafloor basement >65 Ma.
Conclusion
Microbial life is present in subseafloor igneous basement older than 65 million years, expanding our understanding of the subseafloor biosphere.
Supporting Evidence
- Cell biomass ranged from below detection to ~104 cells cm−3.
- Bacterial 16S rRNA genes were dominated by lineages involved in nitrogen, sulfur, and metal redox processes.
- Microbial communities in older subseafloor environments are heterogeneous and distinct from younger settings.
Takeaway
Scientists found tiny living things in old rocks deep under the ocean, showing that life can exist in surprising places.
Methodology
Samples were collected from seafloor drilling and analyzed for cell enumeration, organic carbon content, stable isotope analysis, and 16S rRNA amplicon analysis.
Potential Biases
Sampling difficulties and contamination risks could introduce bias in microbial abundance estimates.
Limitations
Low biomass recovery and potential drilling contamination may affect results.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.023
Statistical Significance
p<0.023
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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