Deep-Sea Neighbours Face Climate Chaos with Opposite Tactics

Deep beneath the ocean surface, amidst cold seeps where hydrocarbon-rich fluids escape the seafloor, life has evolved unique survival kits. A team of researchers has recently sequenced the chromosome-level genomes of two species living side-by-side: the symbiosis-dependent mussel Gigantidas haimaensis and the predatory snail Phymorhynchus buccinoides.

Their genomic analysis highlights distinct evolutionary paths. The mussel displays expanded gene families capable of degrading bacterial components, facilitating its reliance on internal microbes for food. In contrast, the snail possesses specific genetic adaptations for appetite regulation and digestion, fine-tuning it for a life of hunting in the dark.

To understand how these creatures might cope with the threats of climate change, the team conducted an in situ experiment mimicking a massive methane leakage caused by ocean warming. The physiological responses were strikingly different. Faced with the environmental stress, the mussel ramped up its metabolic rate, actively engaging its biological machinery. Conversely, the snail adopted a strategy of conservation, suppressing its energy production and slowing down cellular processes.

These findings suggest that an animal’s feeding strategy—whether farming bacteria or hunting prey—fundamentally shapes its resilience mechanism. As our oceans warm and deep-sea conditions shift, understanding these energy management tactics is crucial for predicting which species might survive the changing tides.