caveecosystem

A cave ecosystem is a distinct, relatively closed biological community found within subterranean habitats, where darkness, stable temperatures, high humidity, and limited inputs of energy shape the structure of life. The abiotic environment includes cave passages, pools, and voids formed by geology and hydrology, with air exchange and mineral deposition affecting chemistry and microhabitats.

Biota in cave ecosystems range from microorganisms and invertebrates to vertebrates, many of which are adapted to darkness. Organisms are categorized as troglobionts (obligate cave dwellers), troglophiles (cave-associated but not strictly restricted), and trogloxenes (visitors). Common cave groups include isopods, amphipods, crustaceans, spiders, beetles, and blind or pigmentless fishes and salamanders. Microbial communities and biofilms drive local nutrient cycling, and in many caves, energy enters as detritus from surface ecosystems or guano from bats and seabirds. In some systems, chemosynthetic bacteria use reduced minerals from seepage or rock to support food webs, as in sulfide-rich environments.

Food webs in caves are typically detritus-based, with limited or no photosynthetic production. Movile-like ecosystems illustrate how chemoautotrophy can sustain communities in permanently dark zones. Adaptations to darkness include reduced eyesight, enhanced non-visual senses, and depigmentation.

Cave ecosystems face threats from habitat disturbance, mining, pollution, and excessive tourism. Conservation emphasizes protection of hydrology, cave microclimates, and key species, along with visitor management and monitoring to minimize disruption.