Thermophiles 

Thermophiles are a type of bacteria. They are microscopic, single-celled organisms that have adapted to live in extremely hot temperatures. The hot springs at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, shown in the image above, have an average temperature of roughly 198⁰ F and are as acidic as a car battery--that is extreme! But, it is a perfect environment for thermophiles to live and grow.

These heat-loving bacteria rely on photosynthesis as their major source of energy, and they join together to create dense areas of color. Although humans can be burned from these hot springs, we can at least enjoy the beautiful colors that are present because of these extreme thermophiles.