Extremophiles

Extremophilic microorganisms live at the extreme ends of survivability. Antarctica is such an extreme environment that some organisms living there are polyextremophiles – they can survive severe cold, heat, desiccation and/or intense UV radiation.

Scientists are interested in extremophiles for many reasons. Some are looking at the link to biotechnical opportunities. Others are figuring out how life can thrive in such harsh conditions and the insights this might provide about life on other planets.

Photo by Craig Cary © Antarctica New Zealand Pictorial Collection, image number K0230506, 2005–2006.