The otter ferramoeba split from its ancestor and now calls the Otter Vents its home. While still able to feed on silica, it has developed the ability to absorb the iron dissolved in the hot water from the vents. In order to be able to survive the high temperature in these plumes, it developed a primitive cell wall. While protecting it against the heat, this also makes the ferramoeba less mobile. Luckily there is plenty of iron around, making the disadvantages negligible. It has become roughly disc-like in shape. This gives it a large surface area, making it easier to gather up nutrients.
Living Relatives (click to show/hide)
These are randomly selected, and organized from lowest to highest shared taxon. (This may correspond to similarity more than actual relation)
