Book 12, Question 77
What Lives in Hot Springs That Would Be Too Hot for Most Animals?
Tiny heat-loving microbes live in hot springs! They are called thermophiles, and they love water that would hurt most animals. They are true heat champions of nature.
More fun facts
- Thermophiles are microbes that thrive in hot temperatures.
- Hot springs were the first place scientists found thermophiles.
- Other tough microbes live in hot springs too, not just heat lovers.
- One iron rich hot spring is similar to the conditions on Earth 2.5 billion years ago.
- Hot springs are not the only super hot places where thermophiles live.
Sources: NASA, National Park Service
Questions kids ask
Why do space scientists study hot springs?
Life in extreme places hints at where life might survive on other worlds.