Evolution Caves Extreme Conditions for Life
" 'Extremophiles' are microorganisms with the ability to thrive in extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents.
Since they live in 'extreme environments' (under high pressure and temperature), they can tell us under which range of conditions life is possible (NOAA, 2013). In addition to living deep in the ocean, they can also survive deep underground and in the harsh polar climates (Roach, 2001).It is interesting to note that these organisms are only considered extreme from a human perspective because we could not survive in the conditions in which they thrive (NOAA, 2013).
Links for more information:[]
The Lives of Extremophiles: NOVA
Scientist Journeys Into Caves for Clues to Extreme Life[]
Extremophiles - weird animals - We Are The Aliens - BBC Space
Extremophiles Bioprospecting for Antimicrobials
Sources[]
NOAA. (2013). What is an extremophile. National Ocean Services: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved from: http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/extremophile.html
Roach, J. (2001). Scientist journeys into caves for clues to extreme life. National Geographic. Retrieved from: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/04/0427_cavesextremophiles.html
Photo credit: NSF (National Science Foundation).