Extremophiles

Some organisms can survive in conditions that would be unsuitable for many others. These organisms have adaptations suited to the physical or chemical conditions in their environment. Organisms adapted to live in such extreme conditions are called extremophiles.

Extreme conditions can include very high temperatures, pressures or salt concentrations. An extremophile’s adaptations enable it to survive the particular conditions in its environment. An organism adapted to one extreme is not necessarily adapted to all others: for example, an organism suited to high salt concentrations may not be able to survive very high temperatures.

Some bacteria living at deep-sea vents are extremophiles. They are adapted to conditions there, including high pressure and, in some locations, high temperatures.