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Carbon-13 depletion in a hydrothermal vent mussel: suggestion of a chemosynthetic food source

Journal Article · · Science; (United States)
Tissues of a mytilid mussel from the Clambake I hydrothermal vent in the Galapagos Rift zone are strikingly depleted in carbon-13 relative to the tissues of other marine organisms. The stable carbon isotope composition of this mussel suggests that chemoautotrophic bacteria present in the hydrothermal waters are a major food source for filter-feeding organisms in this abyssal environment.
OSTI ID:
5298522
Journal Information:
Science; (United States), Journal Name: Science; (United States) Vol. 203; ISSN SCIEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English