EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Archaea is the main group to thrive in extreme environments. Although members of this group are generally less versatile than bacteria and eukaryotes, they are generally quite skilled in adapting to different extreme conditions, holding frequently extremophily records.

Detailed explanation-2: -Archaea that live in extremely hot environments are called thermophiles. Archaea that produce methane are called methanogens. Archaea are known for living in extreme environments, but they also can be found in common environments, like soil.

Detailed explanation-3: -Archaea are single-celled microorganisms with structure similar to bacteria. They are evolutionarily distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes and form the third domain of life. Archaea are obligate anaerobes living in environments low in oxygen (e.g., water, soil).

Detailed explanation-4: -Scientists had known that this group of microbes – called archaea – were surrounded by a membrane made of different chemical components than those of bacteria, plants or animals. They had long hypothesized that it could be what provides protection in extreme habitats.