Thermophyte (Greek thérmos = warmth, heat + phyton = plant) is an organism which is tolerant or thriving at high temperatures. These organisms are categorized according to ecological valences at high temperatures, including biological extremely. Such organisms included the hot-spring taxa also.[1][2]
A large amount of thermophytes are algae, more specifically blue-green algae, also referred to as cyanobacteria. This type of algae thrives in hot conditions ranging anywhere from 50 to 70 degrees Celsius,[3][4] which other plants and organisms cannot survive in. Thermophytes are able to survive extreme temperatures as their cells contain an “unorganized nucleus”.
As the name suggests, thermophytes are found in high temperatures. They can be found in abundance in and around places like freshwater hot springs, such as YellowStone National park and in the Lassen Volcanic National park.
- ^ Lawrence E., ed. (1999). Henderson's Dictionary of biological terms. London: Longman Group Ltd. ISBN 0-582-22708-9.
- ^ Međedović S., Maslić E., Hadžiselimović R. (2002). Biologija 2. Svjetlost, Sarajevo. ISBN 9958-10-222-6.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Algae: Definition, Occurrence and Affinities". Biology Discussion. 2016-09-16. Retrieved 2021-12-10.
- ^ "Algae" (PDF).