Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a colorless, flammable gas with a distinct smell of rotten eggs, produced by the decomposition of organic matter and found in various environments, including deep-sea ecosystems. In the context of hydrothermal vents, it serves as a crucial energy source for certain microorganisms that form the foundation of unique food webs in these extreme environments. The presence of hydrogen sulfide significantly influences the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of deep-sea ecosystems.
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