Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Considering the suffix 'phile' means loving, and hydrophilic means something that is 'water loving,' which bacteria is an example of an extremophile?

Rationale

Thermoplasma acidophilus found in high temperature springs and hydrothermal vents is an example of an extremophile.

Extremophiles are organisms that thrive in physically or geochemically extreme conditions that are detrimental to most life on Earth. Thermoplasma acidophilus is an example of an extremophile because it is able to survive and thrive in high temperature springs and hydrothermal vents, which are considered extreme environments.

A (Thermoplasma acidophilus found in high temperature springs and hydrothermal vents) CORRECT

Thermoplasma acidophilus is an example of an extremophile because it thrives in high temperature environments such as hot springs and hydrothermal vents, which are considered extreme and inhospitable to most other forms of life.

B (Pseudomonas aeruginosa found in soil and water) YOUR ANSWER

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium found in soil and water, and while it can adapt to a wide range of environments, it does not specifically thrive in extreme conditions, and therefore is not considered an extremophile.

C (Escherichia coli found in the intestinal tract of many animals) YOUR ANSWER

Escherichia coli is a bacterium commonly found in the intestinal tract of many animals, including humans. While it can survive in a range of conditions within the body, it does not thrive in extreme environmental conditions, hence it is not an extremophile.

D (Staphylococcus epidermidus found on the skin of various mammals) YOUR ANSWER

Staphylococcus epidermidus is a bacterium that is commonly found on the skin of various mammals, including humans. It does not thrive in extreme environmental conditions, hence it is not considered an extremophile.

Conclusion

Thermoplasma acidophilus, which is found in high temperature springs and hydrothermal vents, is an example of an extremophile, an organism that thrives in extreme environmental conditions. The other bacteria listed here—Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus epidermidus—are not considered extremophiles as they do not thrive in extreme conditions, but rather in environments commonly found on Earth.

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