Sulfolobus species are found at the surface of acidic sulfur-containing hot springs such as many of those found in Yellowstone National Park. They only grow at temperatures above 50°C and at a pH between 1 and 6. How would you classify these organisms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sulfolobus species are thermophilic (grow at high temperatures), acidophilic (prefer acidic environments) organisms. They are also aerobic, meaning they require oxygen to grow. Therefore, option B (aerobic, acidophilic thermophiles) is the best choice. Option A (anaerobic, acidophilic mesophiles) is incorrect because they are aerobic and grow at high temperatures. Option C (microaerophilic, halotolerant basophiles) is incorrect because they do not tolerate high salt concentrations. Option D (aerobic, psychrophilic acidophiles) is incorrect because they do not grow at low temperatures. Option E (psychrotrophic neutrophiles) is incorrect because they only grow at high temperatures.

Sulfolobus Species Are Found at the Surface of Acidic Sulfur-Containing