Archaea and algae

Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is home to many interesting microorganisms which give the pools their colour. Prominant here is the Metallosphaera sp forming the orange colour in the spring and Cyanidioschyzon sp in the lower half of the image. The Metallosphaera is an Archaea and as such metabolizes metalic sulfur compounds. The Cyanidioschyzon is a red algae. Both are adapted to very high temperature and acidic environments.

 

Photographed using a Sony A7R.

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