GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Extremophiles

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Ecology Adaptations, Interdependence and Competition

Extremophiles

1:45 Adaptations
Spec 4.7.1.4
Previous Adaptations Next Biomass
  • Organisms that live in extreme environments are called extremophiles.
  • Extremophiles thrive in environments considered extreme due to challenges like high pressure, temperature, or salt concentration.
  • Examples of extreme environments include deep sea levels with high pressure and lack of sunlight, deserts with extreme temperature variations, and coastal salt marshes with high salt concentrations.
  • Extremophiles include bacteria that have adapted to live in deep sea vents, which are hot, high-pressure areas of underwater volcanic activity releasing toxic hydrogen compounds.
  • Some extremophile bacteria can survive temperatures over 100 degrees Celsius and utilize toxic substances like hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs.
  • For exam purposes, it's important to know that extremophile bacteria can adapt to and survive in the extreme conditions of deep sea vents, but detailed descriptions of these environments are not required.

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