Which type of bacteria prefers high temperatures?

The correct answer is thermophilic bacteria. These are organisms that thrive at elevated temperatures, typically ranging from about 45°C (113°F) to 122°C (252°F). This adaptation allows them to flourish in environments that are often inhospitable to other forms of life, such as hot springs, compost heaps, and other situations where heat is abundant.

Thermophiles possess specialized proteins and cellular structures that enable their metabolic processes to function effectively in these high-temperature conditions. Their heat-stable enzymes are often utilized in biotechnology and industrial processes, such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), where high temperatures are necessary for the denaturation of DNA.

In contrast, psychrophilic bacteria prefer cold environments, typically thriving at temperatures below 20°C (68°F). Mesophilic bacteria live within moderate temperature ranges, generally between 20°C and 45°C (68°F to 113°F), which is suitable for most human-associated environments like the human body. Halophilic bacteria, on the other hand, adapt to saline conditions, rather than specific temperature preferences. Each type of bacteria has evolved characteristics that allow it to optimize survival and reproduction in its respective environment.