Question

microbiologists are constantly looking for new microbes in the environment. for each of the following environments, predict whether you would expect to find archaeans, bacteria, or both.
in the gut of a newly discovered mammal*
in a very salty lake*
at the edge of a geyser*
in a sample of soil*

Explanation:

• In the gut of a newly discovered mammal: Both archaea (e.g., methanogens) and bacteria are commonly found in mammalian guts. Bacteria help in digestion (e.g., Bacteroides), and archaea can be present (e.g., in some herbivores for methane - related processes).
• In a very salty lake: Archaea, specifically halophilic archaea, are well - adapted to high - salt environments. While some bacteria can tolerate salt, halophilic archaea are more characteristic of such extremely salty habitats.
• At the edge of a geyser: Archaea, particularly thermophilic archaea, are adapted to high - temperature environments. Bacteria can also be present, but archaea are often more prominent in such extreme thermal settings.
• In a sample of soil: Soil is a diverse environment. Both bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium, Actinobacteria) and archaea (e.g., ammonia - oxidizing archaea) are present. Bacteria are involved in nutrient cycling (e.g., decomposition), and archaea also play roles in processes like nitrogen cycling.

Answer:

• in the gut of a newly discovered mammal: both
• in a very salty lake: archaea
• at the edge of a geyser: archaea
• in a sample of soil: both