Scientists Discover a Hidden World Thriving with Life in Earth’s Driest Desert
Indian Defence Review • • science
Key Points:
- Scientists from the University of Cologne have discovered thriving ecosystems beneath the surface of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest and most saline regions on Earth, revealing microscopic nematodes that survive extreme conditions.
- These nematodes play a vital role in nutrient cycling and soil health, regulating bacterial populations and contributing to ecosystem balance despite the desert's harsh environment.
- The study highlights how biodiversity persists in extreme habitats, with nematode communities varying according to moisture levels and temperature, and some areas showing signs of ecosystem damage and vulnerability.
- Findings emphasize the importance of understanding life in extreme environments as global aridity increases, offering insights into how organisms adapt and how ecosystems might respond to climate change.
- This research provides valuable data for predicting the
