Bottom-dwelling bacterium survives on geothermal glow A microbe discovered in the deepest, darkest reaches of the Pacific Ocean makes its living in an unlikely way-by photosynthesis.

A team of researchers has found evidence of photosynthesis taking place deep within the Pacific Ocean. The team found a bacterium that is the first photosynthetic organism that doesn't live off sunlight but from the dim light coming from hydrothermal vents nearly 2,400 meters (7,875 feet) deep in the ocean.

Scientists find deep-sea photosynthetic bacterium LOS ANGELES, June 20 (Xinhua)-- A bacterium living deep within the Pacific Ocean has been identified as the first photosynthetic organism that doesn't live off sunlight, a team of scientists reported on Monday.

The discovery of green sulfur bacteria living near hydrothermal vents has major implications for where photosynthesis happens and where life may reside.

By: Leslie Mullen The Mine of Murgul sounds like an ominous place in "The Lord of the Rings," a dark cavern filled with menacing orcs and trolls.