INTRODUCTION
There is so much to know and so much to find out about the extreamophiles in Yellowstone National Park.
Since the discovery of Thermus aquaticus in 1969 a universe of interest has surrounded the life forms that survive - even thrive at very high temperatures. At the time that Thomas C. Brock and Hudson Freeze reported the new life form, it was thought that only a few organisms could survive at high temperatures above about 130F.
Since its discovery, interest has spread and much has
been learned. The scientific community has devoured the subject with relish.
Only recently has this knowledge crept into the popular mind. As people learn of the extreme conditions of life at 175F they want to know more. It's fascinating and awe inspiring. It is a concept that is wondrous to contemplate.
Questions are asked: "What do they eat?" - "How big are they?" - "Where are they?" - "How do they do it?" - "What do they look like?"
The answers are as fascinating as the organisms. I would like to help answer the last question above. As I travel in Yellowstone I am drawn to their colors and patterns and diverse images that they etch on my eye. I take some snapshots and present a few of them here.
- About the beauty of high temperature life and ecology in Yellowstone National Park.
There is so much to know and so much to find out about the extreamophiles in Yellowstone National Park.Since the discovery of Thermus aquaticus in 1969 a universe of interest has surrounded the life forms that survive - even thrive at very high temperatures. At the time that Thomas C. Brock and Hudson Freeze reported the new life form, it was thought that only a few organisms could survive at high temperatures above about 130F.
Since its discovery, interest has spread and much has
been learned. The scientific community has devoured the subject with relish.Only recently has this knowledge crept into the popular mind. As people learn of the extreme conditions of life at 175F they want to know more. It's fascinating and awe inspiring. It is a concept that is wondrous to contemplate.
Questions are asked: "What do they eat?" - "How big are they?" - "Where are they?" - "How do they do it?" - "What do they look like?"
The answers are as fascinating as the organisms. I would like to help answer the last question above. As I travel in Yellowstone I am drawn to their colors and patterns and diverse images that they etch on my eye. I take some snapshots and present a few of them here.