the hard, variously colored, calcareous skeleton secreted by certain marine polyps. 2. such skeletons collectively, forming reefs, islands, etc. 3. the solitary or colonial polyp that secretes this calcareous skeleton.
Ancient methanogens are the source of natural gas. Halophiles are bacteria that thrive in high salt concentrations such as those found in salt lakes or pools of sea water. Thermophiles are the heat-loving bacteria found near hydrothermal vents and hot springs.
Archaebacteria are part of the prokaryotic organism family, which means they are tiny, single-celled organisms. According to the State University of New York, they are plentiful in water, air and on objects. There are three different types of archaebacteria, and all make their home in extreme environments.