Final answer:
Mesophiles are organisms that grow best in average temperatures, specifically between 20°C and 45°C. They are distinct from psychrophiles, which prefer cold temperatures, and thermophiles & hyperthermophiles, which thrive at very high temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes organisms that thrive and develop in average temperatures is b) Mesophiles. Mesophiles grow best at moderate temperatures, typically between 20°C and 45°C (77°F and 113°F). Pathogens are usually mesophiles, with many having an optimum growth temperature of 37°C, which is the normal human body temperature. These organisms are often involved in food preparation processes such as the production of cheese, yogurt, beer, and wine.
For the other categories of microorganisms based on their temperature preferences:
- Psychrophiles prefer cold temperatures, optimally growing at 15°C or lower and inhabiting environments like and deep-ocean waters.
- Thermophiles grow best at high temperatures near 100°C and can be found in environments such as hot springs and geysers.
- Hyperthermophiles are adapted to even higher temperatures, above 80°C, and examples include Pyrolobus fumarii, which can live at temperatures of 113°C.