Final answer:
The three cardinal temperatures for bacterial growth are the minimum growth temperature, the optimum growth temperature, and the maximum growth temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three cardinal temperatures for bacterial growth are the minimum growth temperature, the optimum growth temperature, and the maximum growth temperature.
The minimum growth temperature is the lowest temperature at which the organism can survive and replicate, while the maximum growth temperature is the highest temperature at which growth can occur. The optimum growth temperature is the temperature at which the organism's growth rate is the highest.
Bacteria can be grouped into different categories depending on their temperature requirements. Mesophiles are bacteria that grow best at moderate temperatures, typically between 20-40°C. They include many bacteria that are commonly found in humans, such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Thermophiles, on the other hand, prefer high temperatures, typically above 45°C. They are commonly found in hot springs and hydrothermal vents. Psychrophiles are bacteria that thrive in cold environments, such as polar regions and deep-sea trenches, where the temperature is near or below freezing.