Massive Ecosystem Discovered Beneath Ocean Floor

Researchers have discovered an extensive ecosystem existing in the rocks beneath the ocean floor, challenging our understanding of where life can exist. ## The Discovery Drilling beneath the seafloor revealed microbial communities living in rock formations up to 2 kilometers below the ocean bottom. ## Life in Extreme Conditions These organisms survive without sunlight, using chemical energy from rocks to sustain themselves in conditions previously thought too harsh for life. ## Scale of the Ecosystem Scientists estimate this subsurface biosphere could contain more biomass than all the forests on Earth's surface. ## Implications for Extraterrestrial Life If life can thrive in such extreme conditions on Earth, similar environments on other planets or moons could also harbor life.