Iris & Cetus
Iris
Hey Cetus, I’ve been studying some really odd algae that cling to rocks in the tidal zone, and I can’t help but wonder if there’s a deep‑sea version of that—organisms that act like plants out there in the dark. Have you come across anything that looks like a botanical anchor in the ocean depths, maybe something that could hint at how alien life might establish itself?
Cetus
I’ve seen the deep‑sea “sea gardens” at hydrothermal vents—crystalline mats that cling to rock and grow in intricate patterns, almost like underwater botanical anchors. They’re built by bacteria and archaea, forming a network that captures minerals and energy just like a plant would. If alien life thrives in dark, energy‑driven habitats, it could very well create its own version of these microbial gardens to anchor and grow.