Adaptation for Survival L 3 Extremophiles Learning Objectives

Adaptation for Survival L 3 Extremophiles Learning Objectives: 1. Recall that some organisms are adapted to living in extreme environments; such as high temperature and pressure. 2. Describe a few examples of extremophiles. 3. Analyse the conditions that caused extremophiles to become adapted to such extreme conditions.

Extremophiles • Extremophile = organisms that are adapted to living in extreme conditions • Extremophiles can survive in conditions that would be lethal to most other organisms. • They can be found in some of the most inhabitable seeming environments.

• Video: hydrothermal vents Watch the video and answer the following questions: 1. What are the conditions in the deep sea hydrothermal vent? 2. What type of organisms were found here? 3. Scientists were shocked to discovery that life was able to exist when what type of energy was missing? 4. Where do the organisms get energy from?

1. What are the conditions in the deep sea hydrothermal vent? • High temp, high pressure, poisonous hydrogen sulphide 2. What type of organisms were found here? • Pompeii worm, mussels, crabs, tube worms 3. Scientists were shocked to discovery that life was able to exist when what type of energy was missing? • sunlight 4. Where do the organisms get energy from? • Bacteria are able to get energy from sulphides, source of food chain

Case Study: the Pompeii worm Adaptations • Covered in bacteria that protect it from high temperatures • Feed on bacteria that gain energy from breaking down sulphur compounds (chemosynthesis). • Lives inside a tube to protect it from predators as well as heat.

Case Study: Freeze-resistant frogs • Some frogs are adapted to living in extremely cold environments. • They have chemical reactions in the body that allow it to survive being frozen. • The heart actually stops and the frog hibernates in a frozen state.