Thermophilic Flatworm (Platyhelminthes near vents): Certain flatworms near deep-sea hydrothermal vents exhibit extreme heat resistance, surviving in fluctuating temperatures above 60°C. These worms inhabit the periphery of vent systems, where they graze on microbial mats. They possess heat-stable enzymes and cellular structures that prevent denaturation. Their simple body plan may enhance resilience, and some form symbiotic relationships with chemosynthetic bacteria. Limited mobility keeps them within tolerable thermal zones. Their metabolism functions efficiently in warm, mineral-rich waters. These flatworms exemplify how simple organisms can exploit extreme environments, pushing the boundaries of animal life in Earth’s hottest underwater ecosystems.
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