Journal of Ecology and Conservation

Extreme Environments and their Organisms

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Organisms residing and flourishing in extremely high temperatures, high pressure, and highly acidic and alkaline conditions are termed extremophiles. The most commonly known extremophiles are the archaea, unicellular organisms thriving in extreme conditions like hot vents (Pyrococcus horikoshii) and sulfurous hot vents (Sulfolobales sp.). The Emperor Penguin of Antarctica, the desert camel, and tardigrades are all examples of extremophiles. Investigating these organisms’ metabolism, anatomy, and physiology yields remarkable information on the survival of organisms in such extreme conditions. However, studying these organisms has become even more imperative due to the global climate changes that threaten to damage their fragile environment and ecosystem.