Special Adaptations

To be so successful, bacteria have special adaptations to help them live in their environment.

• Bacteria can be autotrophs or heterotrophs. (Remember these words? If not, check your Glossary Sheets!)
• Some live very well in places without oxygen (anaerobic bacteria).
• Some bacteria can produce a survival structure called an endospore. An endospore is a hard outer covering that can protect the bacteria from drying out in heat (even boiling water) and even harsh chemicals. While the bacterium is inside an endospore, it slows down its life processes and doesn't reproduce. It is kind of like a sleep state. Then, when the environmental conditions are good again, the bacteria are released from the endospore and continue life as normal.

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