Deep sea ecosystem

The deep sea is the largest ecosystem on Earth, covering about 50% of the planet's surface with depths exceeding 3,000 meters, and supports a significant biodiversity. It includes varied habitats characterized by high pressure, low temperatures, and decreased light, and is critical for heterotrophic communities which rely on organic matter from the surface and inorganic chemicals from the Earth's interior. Historically, exploration of the deep sea has evolved from the 'azoic zone' theory to discoveries like hydrothermal vents, emphasizing the unique biological and environmental features of this vast ecosystem.