Bulletin of the National Speleological Society - ISSN 0146-9517
Volume 33 Number 1: 51-61 - January 1971

A publication of the National Speleological Society

Biology of Cave and Deep Sea Organisms: A Comparison
Thomas L. Poulson

Abstract

A panel discussion held at the 1969 AAAS meeting is summarized. The cave and deep sea environments have many similarities for organisms which have adapted to life in them. The similariiteis and differences in these adaptations are examined for insight into evolutionary ecology and community structure in the two environments. The characteristics of life history and age distribution, sensory adaption, and metabolic efficiency are discussed. The effects of geographic isolation and Pleistocene invasions are contrasted. Species diversity and the factors influencing it are discussed.

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