EXTREMOPHILE IMAGES

Thermophilic bacteria, Yellowstone National Park Bacteria that can withstand extreme heat are what cause the vibrant colours around hot springs in Yellowstone National Park in the USA. The water in the geysers and springs at the park can get to temperatures as high as 70ºC. Credit: Steve Ford, Flickr BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

Thermophilic algae, Yellowstone National Park Thermophilic algae can survive and flourish in extremely high temperatures. The green algae seen here in Yellowstone National Park grows in water at around 50ºC. Credit: Anne Weston, LRI, CRUK, Wellcome Images.

Microcystis BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM Microcystis is a type of bacterial algae that grows in waters with extremely high pH levels, such as Mono Lake in California. The cells are usually found organised into colonies like this and can produce and release harmful toxins. Credit: Specious Reasons, Flickr BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

Endolithic bacteria BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM These cyanobacteria (bacteria that get their energy from photosynthesis) are endoliths, extremophiles that can survive in extremely rocky terrain. Credit: hawkwing3141, Flickr BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

Dunaliella salina, a halophile In this aerial view of a salt pond, the microalgae Dunaliella salina, which love extremely salty conditions, create the bright pink colouring. Credit: Steve Jurvetson, Flickr. BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

Sea sandwort, another halophile Honckenya peploides, commonly known as sea sandwort, is a halophile and can grow in extremely salty conditions – most commonly found near the beach. Credit: Bas Kers (NL), Flickr BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

Tardigrades from the Goldstein lab, UNC Chapel Hill Tardigrades, or water bears, are water-dwelling micro-animals that can survive extreme environments. For example, they can withstand extreme low and high temperatures, extreme pressure and doses of radiation that would be lethal for most animals, and they can go without food or water for more than ten years. Credit: Bob Goldstein & Vicky Madden, tardigrades.bio.unc.edu BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

A pika at extreme altitude Certain species of pika, a small rodent found on rocky mountainsides, can live in extreme altitudes. The Himalayan pika, for example, can live at altitudes of up to 4,200 metres. Credit: Philpete, Flickr BIGPICTUREEDUCATION.COM

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