Pompeii Worm (Alvinella pompejana): The Pompeii worm is the most heat-resistant complex animal, living near hydrothermal vents where temperatures exceed 80°C. It builds tube homes on vent chimneys, with its tail end enduring waters up to 105°C while its head remains in cooler, oxygen-rich water. A symbiotic relationship with heat-tolerant bacteria on its back may provide insulation and nutrition. Its cells contain specialized proteins and enzymes that remain stable at high heat. This polychaete worm’s body structure creates a thermal gradient, allowing survival across extreme temperature zones. Found in the Pacific Ocean, it represents the upper thermal limit for multicellular life in marine environments.
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