How deep underground microbes live on rocks

Life deep underground can get energy from rock

2,400 m

Organisms found 2,400 meters below Earth's surface can survive without sunlight by using chemical reactions involving minerals such as pyrite. Deep underground, rock and its chemicals can provide the energy needed for an ecosystem.

Some plants build a CO₂-rich space inside their leaves

C4 plants use two steps to gather carbon dioxide around the enzyme that performs a key part of photosynthesis. This extra CO₂ helps them waste less energy on a side process called photorespiration. It makes C4 plants especially effective in hot, bright places.

Stable societies can include same-sex families

A century of research across cultures found no support for the claim that stable societies depend on marriage being only between a man and a woman. Many family forms, including those built on same-sex partnerships, can contribute to stable societies.

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How deep underground microbes live on rocks

Life deep underground can get energy from rock

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