Can Any Organisms Survive on Air Alone?

Scientists wanted to know how any life forms could survive in parts of Antarctica where there is not only very little sunlight, but also freezing temperatures, high UV radiation, negligible precipitation, and no apparent access to life-sustaining carbon. What they found was that certain microbes can survive on atmospheric energy alone. In 2014, researchers collected soil samples from two ice-free sites along the eastern coast of Antarctica. They discovered two previously-unknown bacteria, known as WPS-2 and AD3, that exist by taking carbon directly from the air.

A low threshold for life to exist:

  • These extreme microbes have genes that give them a “high affinity” for hydrogen and carbon monoxide, making it easy for them to capture molecules from the atmosphere.
  • The discovery, scientists said, opens the possibility that life forms may exist on other planets, relying entirely on atmospheric gases to survive. The results were published in the journal Nature in 2017.
  • Conditions in Antarctica are similar to conditions on certain moons and planets, which is why scientists study the continent's harsh environment to determine if life may exist on other worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any organisms survive solely on air?

No, no known organisms can survive on air alone. All living organisms require some form of sustenance beyond just air, such as water, nutrients, or sunlight. Even air-breathing animals need to consume food and water to obtain energy and maintain their bodily functions.

What are aeroplankton and can they live on air?

Aeroplankton refers to tiny life forms that float and drift in the air, similar to how plankton move in water. While they are airborne, aeroplankton cannot survive on air alone; they still require nutrients, which they obtain from spores, bacteria, or other organic materials they encounter in the atmosphere.

Do any microorganisms use air as a primary food source?

Microorganisms do not use air as a primary food source. They may extract certain gases from the air, like carbon dioxide or nitrogen, for metabolic processes, but they still need additional nutrients and energy sources to grow and reproduce. These are typically derived from organic material or chemical reactions.

How do plants utilize the air for survival?

Plants utilize air primarily for obtaining carbon dioxide, which is essential for photosynthesis. According to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, through photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into sugars for energy and growth, while releasing oxygen. However, they also need water and nutrients from the soil to survive.

Are there any animals that extract all their required nutrients from the atmosphere?

There are no animals that extract all their required nutrients from the atmosphere. Animals may breathe air to obtain oxygen for respiration, but they must consume food and water to get the necessary nutrients and energy for survival. The atmosphere alone does not provide sufficient sustenance for any animal.

What is the closest any organism comes to living on air?

The closest any organism comes to living on air are certain bacteria that can fix atmospheric nitrogen, such as Azotobacter. These bacteria can convert nitrogen gas from the air into ammonia, which is a nutrient they can use. However, even these bacteria require other nutrients and energy sources to live, which they cannot obtain from air alone.

More Info: HowStuffWorks

Discussion Comments

anon999388

Science, especially science research into the unknown possibilities of the extreme, pays off in unpredictable ways. This is why I am in pursuit of a physics degree. Amazing stuff.

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