biospeleology

Biospeleology is the scientific study of life within caves and underground environments. It explores how organisms adapt to dark, stable, and often nutrient-scarce habitats, including bacteria, fungi, insects, and other animals. Researchers analyze the biology, ecology, and evolution of these organisms, as well as how they interact with their unique surroundings. This field also sheds light on subterranean ecosystems' roles in broader environmental processes and their potential applications in medicine, ecology, and conservation. Overall, biospeleology enhances our understanding of underground biodiversity and the adaptations that enable life in extreme, hidden habitats.