Discussion Questions: Deep-Sea Vents and Life's Origins

What are deep-sea vents? How are they formed? Can you think of any equivalent structures or processes on land?
What characteristics of the vent environment suggest life could have begun there?
What is the ultimate food source in the vent community?
What role do the organisms of deep-sea vents play in cycling certain elements?
If similar geothermal conditions existed on other planets, do you think that life could form there? Explain.