Discussion Topic 3. Chemosynthesis in the Giant Tubeworm. The Giant Tubeworm (Riftia pachyptila) is an animal that lives on the floor of the ocean, near hydrothermal vents that release very hot, chemical-rich water. The adult form of the tubeworm is sessile, which means that it plants itself in one place, and doesn’t have any locomotion. Riftia pachyptila has a unique way of getting the energy that it needs to stay alive (Deep Marine Sciences, 2015; JKM12988, 2016; Kusek, 2007).

• (a) Describe how Riftia pachyptila get its energy.
• (b) Discuss how this relates to this week’s lessons.