Microorganisms

Microorganisms, often used interchangeably with microbes, is a broad term that refers to microscopic living things. While this is an extremely broad and complex topic, this resource guide attempts to provide resources that demonstrate how important microorganisms are to Yellowstone's ecosystem, and how important Yellowstone's microorganisms are to scientific innovation.

Algae and Calcite Formations; Jacob W. Frank; 2016

About

The hydrothermal features of Yellowstone are magnificent evidence of Earth’s volcanic activity. Amazingly, they are also habitats in which microscopic organisms called thermophiles—“thermo” for heat, “phile” for lover—survive and thrive.

Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin is an outstanding example of a hydrothermal system that is teaming with thermophilic microbial life. Visitors marvel at its size and brilliant colors. Yet, those colors are due to the microbes and up-close examples can be readily seen on the boardwalk that crosses a vast habitat for thermophilic microbes. Nourished by energy and chemical building blocks available in the hot springs, microbes construct vividly colored communities. Living with these microscopic life forms are larger examples of life in extreme environments, such as mites, flies, spiders, and plants. (National Park Service)

Helpful Resources

Life in Extreme Heat, National Park Service
The Yellowstone Microbe That Changed the World, WyoHistory
Extremophiles 101, National Geographic (video)
Living Colors: Microbes of Yellowstone National Park, Montana State University

Words to Know

Extremophile: A microorganism living in extreme conditions such as heat and acid, that cannot survive without these conditions.

Thermophile: Heat-loving extremophile.

Microorganism: Single- or multi-celled organism of microscopic or submicroscopic size. Also called a microbe.

Microbes in Yellowstone: In addition to the thermophilic microorganisms, millions of other microbes thrive in Yellowstone’s soils, streams, rivers, lakes, vegetation, and animals.

Bacteria (Bacterium): Single-celled microorganisms without nuclei, varying in shape, metabolism, and ability to move.

Archaea (Archaeon): Single-celled microorganisms without nuclei and with membranes different from all other organisms. Once thought to be bacteria.

Viruses: Non-living parasitic microorganisms consisting of a piece of DNA or RNA coated by protein.

Eukarya (Eukaryote): Single- or multi-celled organisms whose cells contain a distinct membrane-bound nucleus