[O-02] Why do organisms create biominerals? ~Advancement of science by blending of Art-thinking~

[O02-02] The Impact of Scientific Illustration in Chemosynthetic Fossil Communities; A Focus on Whale- and Wood-fall communities

*Asuka Seki¹, Robert Jenkins² (1.Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University , 2.School of Geosciences and Civil Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University)

Keywords:Chemosynthetic community, Whale-falls, Wood-falls, Science illustration

Chemosynthetic communities refer to ecosystems where energy is produced through chemosynthesis, commonly found in extreme environments such as the deep sea and hydrothermal vents. In environments where photosynthesis is not possible, such as deep-sea floor or hydrothermal vents where light does not reach, chemosynthesis is an important source of energy for organisms. Organic matter, such as whale-falls or wood-falls, settles on the seabed, attracting a variety of organisms that decompose the organic matter during its decay process, forming chemosynthetic communities. Chemosynthetic fossil communities provide information on geological changes such as environmental conditions in the Paleo-ocean, and play an important role in understanding the mechanisms of biological evolution and their advance into extreme environments. The study of chemosynthetic fossil communities provides information about geological changes, such as ancient oceanic environmental conditions, and plays an important role in understanding the mechanisms of evolution and the process of colonization of extreme environments.
Creating scientifically-based sketches and reconstructions in the study of chemosynthetic fossil communities makes it easier to visually capture the appearance, behavior, and ecosystem of organisms inferred from fossils, aiding in both scientific research and public understanding and dissemination. Additionally, learning artistic techniques and styles allows for the creation of more visually engaging illustrations. The role and importance of these science illustrations in fossil reconstructions and their contribution to science popularization will be presented.