MSI Public Lecture Series

Primitive Life

Archaea are microorganisms that resemble bacteria, so much so that they were once thought to be an odd group of bacteria. However, by studying archaeal cells on a molecular level, we now know that these "weird bacteria" are actually are a separate category of life. Archaea are among the earliest forms of life that appeared on Earth billions of years ago. It’s now believed that Archaea and (Eu)bacteria developed separately from a common ancestor nearly 4 billion years ago, with Eukaryotic organisms (higher life) arising from the Archaea branch approximately 1 billion years later. Some scientists consider Archaea living fossils that may provide hints about what the earliest life forms on Earth were like, and how life evolved on our planet.

Life at the Extreme

Many Archaea thrive in conditions that would kill other creatures such as boiling water, super-salty pools, volcanic vents, and acidic waters. Since these environments are viewed as extreme, these types of Archaea are often labeled "extremophiles". Archaea have been found that can live in temperatures above 212°F (100°C); in contrast, no known eukaryotes can survive over 140°F (60°C).

Archaea in Antarctica

We know now that Archaea are more widespread than just living life at the extremes; new research is showing that Archaea are also abundant in the plankton of the open sea. However, their distribution and role in the ocean's ecology are still unknown. Much is still to be learned about these microbes, but it is clear that the Archaea is a remarkably diverse and successful clade of organisms.

Join us as Dr. Pease takes us along on a cruise in the search for "primitive life in Antarctica."

The free lecture will be held at 7 p.m. in the Visitor Center of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, and the public is invited to attend.