Video Transcript
Which of the following correctly
describes the difference between the environments of Archaebacteria and
Eubacteria? (A) Many species of Archaebacteria
are extremophiles and live in extreme environments, whereas Eubacteria are found in
all environments. Or (B) many species of Eubacteria
are extremophiles and live in extreme environments, whereas Archaebacteria are found
in all environments.
Archaebacteria and Eubacteria are
usually classified within the kingdom Monera. The word “Monera” comes from the
Greek word meaning single or solitary, describing how all organisms in this kingdom
are unicellular so only made up of a single cell. All organisms in this kingdom are
also prokaryotic, which means that they do not contain a membrane-bound nucleus or
other membrane-bound organelles.
Archaebacteria and Eubacteria are
distinct in many ways, and perhaps the most notable difference is in the
environments they commonly inhabit. Archaebacteria, which are also
commonly called Archaea, are often referred to as “extremophiles,” which means that
many species within this group inhabit extreme environments. These organisms can be found in
intensely hot or cold habitats and chemical conditions that little other life could
withstand like incredibly salty, acidic, or alkaline environments.
For example, some species of
Archaebacteria are found within underwater hydrothermal vents, where temperatures
can reach 90 degrees Celsius and above. Eubacteria, on the other hand, are
relatively commonplace and found in all sorts of environments, including on the
surface of the human body. While some species of Eubacteria
are known for causing diseases, many are harmless, and some are even beneficial to
human health.
Now that we know the environments
each of these groups of organisms live in, we can figure out which option correctly
describes the difference between the environments of Archaebacteria and
Eubacteria. The correct answer is (A). Many species of Archaebacteria are
extremophiles and live in extreme environments, whereas Eubacteria are found in all
environments.
