There is life on this island that appeared out of nowhere

” This type of volcanic eruption happens all over the world, but does not always produce islands », noted ecologist Nick Dragone, who looked at the formation of an island in the southwest Pacific Ocean in 2015. But this one, which appeared near the Hunga-Tonga volcano, has an additional particularity: a microbiological and vegetal biodiversity was quickly constituted. What fascinated Nick Dragone and his team, leading them to produce a study published in January 2023.

” No one had yet comprehensively studied the microorganisms of this type of island system at such an early stage. “, explains Nick Dragone. And the interest is much broader than a simple study on a single island: looking at the early stage of the development of life on an island gives clues to the birth of life more broadly in ecosystems.

Germs and bird droppings, life

During their preliminary research, the authors had not assumed to discover certain forms of life. They thought they would first find cyanobacteria, considered to be one of the first stages of life. ” But instead, we found a unique group of bacteria that metabolize sulfur and atmospheric gases. These microbes seem to have come directly from the depths, carried by the volcanic eruption. They are similar to what can be found near hot springs, such as in Yellowstone.

Then, soon after, plants formed on the island. But how, since it is isolated? The answer is very simple: thanks to bird droppings. These can actually contain germs.

Even emerging seemingly from nowhere, this island resulting from a volcanic eruption therefore already had a very unique biodiversity. Unfortunately, another eruption then leveled the island, interrupting the search. However, it will have offered scientists a very rare opportunity to study the rapid formation of life, and in particular the populations of microbes, on a new (and temporary) island.

Subscribe to Numerama on Google News to not miss any news!