Question

Features of the organism that colonizes inhospitable environments :

A) Resistance to high levels of radiation.
B) Ability to photosynthesize in the absence of sunlight.
C) Production of toxic compounds to deter predators.
D) Enhanced ability to withstand high atmospheric pressure.

Answer 1

Organisms that colonize inhospitable environments have various features including resistance to radiation, ability to photosynthesize without sunlight, and production of toxic compounds as defense against predators. These adaptations can have potential applications in human disease treatment and environmental protection.

Step-by-step explanation:

Organisms that colonize inhospitable environments often have specific features that allow them to survive in extreme conditions. These include:

1. Resistance to high levels of radiation: Some organisms, like Deinococcus radiodurans, have developed mechanisms to tolerate intense ionizing radiation that would be deadly to humans.
2. Ability to photosynthesize in the absence of sunlight: Some extremophiles have adapted to perform photosynthesis using alternative sources of energy, such as chemosynthesis, allowing them to thrive in environments with limited or no sunlight.
3. Production of toxic compounds to deter predators: To protect themselves from predators, organisms in inhospitable environments may produce toxic substances that deter or harm potential threats.

These adaptations of extremophiles can provide insights and potential applications in various fields, including human disease treatment and environmental protection.