Global ecosystem typology

Alternative site for the Global ecosystem typology with additional information for ecosystem profiles and indicative maps.

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S1.2 Endolithic systems

Biome: S1. Subterranean lithic biome

Contributors:
(texts)

The matrices and fissures of rocks host abundant microscopic life throughout the Earth’s crust, which is still at an early stage of exploration. While some fissures support simple invertebrates, most organisms are unicellular. Blue-green algae may occur in near-surface layers of rock, but most energy comes from chemical synthesis of minerals. Rates of growth and reproduction are slow, and limited by the supply of energy. At depth, microbes tolerate high pressures and temperatures.

Key Features

Microbial systems within lithic matrices and interstitial spaces with truncated trophic networks founded on lithautotrophs and lacking photoautotrophs (except near surface) and high-order predators..

Overview of distribution

Throughout the Earth’s crust to depths of 4-7 km.

Profile versions

  • v1.0 (2020-01-20): DA Keith
  • v2.0 (2020-06-01): DA Keith; TM Iliffe; V Gerovasileiou; B Gonzalez; D Brankovits; A Martínez García
  • v2.01 ():
  • v2.1 (2022-04-06): DA Keith; TM Iliffe; V Gerovasileiou; B Gonzalez; D Brankovits; A Martínez García Full profile available at official site

Main references

Selected references for this functional group:

  • Edwards KJ, Becker K, Colwell F (2012) The deep, dark energy biosphere: intraterrestrial life on earth Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences 40, 551–568 DOI:10.1146/annurev-earth-042711-105500

Diagrammatic assembly model

Diagrammatic assembly model of S1.2 Endolithic systems. See general notes on diagrams. Open image full size.

Maps

Maps are indicative of global distribution patterns are not intended to represent fine-scale patterns. The maps show areas of the world containing major (coloured red) or minor occurrences (coloured yellow) of each ecosystem functional group. See general notes on maps.

There are 2 alternative versions of the indicative map for this functional group, please compare description and sources below.

S1.2.IM.orig_v1.0

Datasets

Map references

S1.2.web.orig_v1.0

Global distribution throughout the earth's crust. Not mapped. Open image full size.

Datasets

Map references

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