Final answer:
Microorganisms are categorized by temperature preference: psychrophiles like cold environments such as Antarctic waters; mesophiles thrive in moderate temperatures and include pathogens like E. coli; thermophiles and hyperthermophiles inhabit hot environments, with examples like Thermus aquaticus in hot springs and Pyrodictium in hydrothermal vents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Temperature Preferences of Microorganisms
Microorganisms adapt to different temperature ranges and are categorized based on their optimal growing temperatures. The categories include psychrophiles, psychrotrophs, mesophiles, thermophiles, and hyperthermophiles.
Psychrophiles and Psychrotrophs
Psychrophiles are microorganisms that grow best at temperatures of 15°C or lower, while psychrotrophs can tolerate cold temperatures but have higher optimal temperature ranges. These microorganisms are often found in cold environments such as Arctic and Antarctic regions. For instance, certain bacteria and algae have been discovered in the ice-cold waters of Lake Whillans in Antarctica.
Mesophiles
Mesophiles thrive at moderate temperatures, approximately 20°C to 45°C. Examples include E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Lactobacillus spp., which are normal human microbiota and pathogens that grow at 37°C, the human body temperature.
Thermophiles and Hyperthermophiles
Thermophiles are adapted to life at temperatures above 50°C. They are commonly found in hot springs, compost piles, and geothermally heated regions. Examples include Thermus aquaticus and Geobacillus spp. Moving further up the temperature scale, hyperthermophiles grow in temperatures from 80°C to over 121°C, like those found in hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. Notable examples are Pyrobolus and Pyrodictium, with the latter surviving autoclaving conditions.
Learn more about Temperature Tolerance of Microorganisms