Antarctic lakes are home to tiny organisms called protists that play important roles in the food chain. Scientists studied these protists in Lake Bonney and found they have different ways of getting energy. Some protists make their own food through photosynthesis, while others eat other microbes. The researchers used special techniques to look at the protists up close and found that they can interact with different types of bacteria to survive. They also discovered a tiny predator that feeds on one of the main producers in the lake. This study shows how these protists adapt to their harsh environment by using various metabolic strategies to thrive.