Brine organisms and the question of habitat-specific adaptation

• Main Authors: Siegel, B. Z., Siegel, S. M., Speitel, T., Waber, J., Stoecker, R.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: 1984
• Subjects: 51; Don Juan Pond; Wright Valley; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19840057724

The question of adaptivity to extremely saline water environments is discussed, with attention given to the evolutionary performance of four common organisms including Cladonia skottsbergii, Penicillium notatum, Nostoc, and Dunaliella salina. Samples of each organism were collected and subjected to experimental conditions similar to extreme marine and limnetic environments in the Dead Sea and Don Juan Pond in the upper Wright valley of Antarctica. Measurements were made of isotope uptake and carbon dioxide production, and photoautotrophs were taken. It is found that all of the organisms responded quickly to the need to adapt to the extreme environments. It is concluded that a degree of uncertainty exists in the perception that the abundance of bulk water on the earth is in itself essential for life.