There Is Life Hiding Inside Earth

Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell • 2024-10-03T13:59:15Z • 11:28 • intermediate • Science

Lead

Did you know that life can thrive in the most extreme conditions deep within the Earth? Discover the astonishing world of the deep biosphere and its incredible inhabitants!

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Quiz

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Q1. What is the primary environment where deep life is found?

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Q2. How does the total biomass of deep microbes compare to that of humans and wildlife?

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Q3. What happens to some microbes when conditions become too extreme?

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Q4. What is a unique characteristic of the archaea Altiarchaeum hamiconexum?

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Q5. What is one of the main challenges scientists face when studying life in the deep biosphere?

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Vocabulary

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octillions

/ɒkˈtɪl.jənz/

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Definition

A numerical value equal to 10 to the power of 27 (1 followed by 27 zeros), used to denote an extremely large quantity.

Example

The universe is estimated to contain octillions of stars.

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biosphere

/ˈbaɪ.oʊ.sfɪr/

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Definition

The global sum of all ecosystems; the zone of life on Earth, including land, water, and the atmosphere.

Example

The biosphere is crucial for sustaining life on our planet.

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metabolism

/məˈtæb.əl.ɪ.zəm/

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Definition

The chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life, including the conversion of food to energy.

Example

His metabolism is so fast that he can eat a lot without gaining weight.

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consortia

/kənˈsɔːr.tʃə/

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Definition

An association or partnership, especially of businesses or organizations, that work together for a common purpose.

Example

The research project was funded by a consortium of universities.

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fissures

/ˈfɪʃ.ərz/

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Definition

Narrow openings or cracks in a surface, often caused by geological processes.

Example

The earthquake created several fissures in the ground.

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endospore

/ˈɛn.dəˌspɔr/

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Definition

A resistant asexual spore that develops inside some bacteria, allowing them to survive extreme conditions.

Example

The bacterium can form an endospore to endure harsh environments.

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