When you picture a cave, you probably think of an environment devoid of life. But for most caves on Earth, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Caves are remarkably good at supporting life. Underground air temperature and humidity levels are usually consistent. For vulnerable species unable to tolerate fluctuations above ground, caves are a haven. This is why ecologists think of caves as evolutionary time capsules. They preserve troglofauna – small animals living mostly or entirely within caves – that might have otherwise died out during ancient climate change events.
