Final answer:
Microbes are divided into three main groups by their temperature tolerance: psychrophiles, which include cold-loving fungi causing 'white-nose disease' in bats; mesophiles, like E. coli and Salmonella, that prefer moderate temperatures; and thermophiles/hyperthermophiles, such as Thermus aquaticus and Pyrobolus, adapted to high temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Temperature Tolerance Groups of Microbes
Microorganisms are categorized into three primary groups based on their temperature tolerance: psychrophiles, mesophiles, and thermophiles which includes hyperthermophiles.
Psychrophiles
Psychrophiles or cryophiles thrive in very cold environments, with an optimal growth temperature of 15 °C or lower. They can even be active at subzero temperatures. A notable example includes certain fungi that lead to the 'white-nose disease' in bats.
Mesophiles
Mesophiles prefer moderate temperatures, typically ranging from 20°C to about 45°C. Many human pathogens fall into this category, such as E. coli and Salmonella spp.
Thermophiles and Hyperthermophiles
Thermophiles are adapted to hot environments and have optimal growth temperatures starting from 50°C. Thermus aquaticus is one such thermophile. Even more extreme are hyperthermophiles, thriving at temperatures up to and above 80°C, like Pyrobolus that grow optimally at around 105°C.