Definition

A type of single-celled organism that is different from bacteria and often lives in extreme environments.

Example

Archaea are known for their ability to survive in harsh conditions, such as hot springs and salt lakes.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an archaeon?

Yeah, I read that they can survive in really extreme conditions.

It's fascinating how different they are from regular bacteria.

Absolutely! They play such a unique role in our ecosystem.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Archaeon is derived from the Greek word "archaios" (meaning ancient) and the suffix "-on" (a suffix used in biology to denote a unit or entity). The term refers to a group of single-celled microorganisms that are considered ancient forms of life.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ancient' ('archaios') to remember that 'archaeon' refers to an ancient type of microorganism.

Visually Confused Words