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What do you call organisms that can live in extreme environmental conditions?
Extremophiles
Pathogens
Saprophytes
Parasites
The correct answer is: Extremophiles
Organisms that can thrive in extreme environmental conditions are known as extremophiles. These unique organisms have adapted to survive in environments that would be hostile or uninhabitable for most life forms. For example, extremophiles can be found in some of the harshest conditions on Earth, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, highly saline lakes, acidic hot springs, and even within the frozen tundra. Their metabolic and genetic adaptations enable them to withstand extreme temperatures, pH levels, salinity, and pressure. Understanding extremophiles is essential in various fields, including microbiology, ecology, and even astrobiology, as they provide insights into the potential for life on other planets and the biochemical processes that occur in extreme environments. The other terms refer to different categories of organisms: pathogens are disease-causing agents; saprophytes derive nutrients from decomposing organic matter; and parasites live on or in a host organism, often causing harm.