Extremophiles

Extremophiles are organisms that are able to live under extreme conditions such as salinity, temperature, pressure, pH, etc. Hyperthermophiles interest me the most. Hyperthermophile is a classification of extremophiles that can thrive in an extremely hot environment. The optimal temperature for existence of hyperthermophiles is above 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Hyperthermophiles were first discovered at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming by Dr. Thomas Brock in 1969. Since then over 70 species have been located. An example of a hyperthermophile is Aquifex aeolicus, which is a bacteria. Most of the species found are of the domain Archaea. However, few are bacteria.