Lithophile

Lithophiles are

Some are known to live on surface rocks, and make use of photosynthesis for energy.

Those that live in deeper rocks cannot use photosynthesis to gather energy, but instead extract energy from minerals around them. They live in cracks in the rock where water seeps down. The water contains dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂) which the organisms use for their carbon needs.^[1] They have been detected in rocks down to depths of nearly three km, where the temperature is approximately 75 °C.

Terrestrial lithophiles can be found in canyons primarily composed of

Lithobiontic ecological niches further classify lithophiles into sub-categories determined by their spatial niche specificity. The term, lithic, refers to an association with rock and can be further explained by the term, lithobiontic, regarded as organisms living both on, and within rock surfaces.[6] Sub-surface rock organisms, endoliths, primarily exhibit niche preference within fissures, cavities, or tunnels of various rocks. While many endoliths degrade and effectively excavate the available carbonate rock surface, many are preyed upon by select gastropod, and echinoderm species. This habitat preference can be further threatened by suspension feeding organisms searching for acquired shelter.^[6]

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