The Bacteria
One of science’s more bizarre discoveries is an ancient strain of bacteria preserved in ice. Specimens from the last quarter-million years, for example, have been found. A piece of ice riddled with bacteria and dating to around 8 million years old was found. An amazing discovery, to say the least about it!
That’s a long time ago now. In these arctic temperatures, only a few types of bacteria can survive. For example, bacteria that can withstand this type of cold must be able to produce spores. Spore-like hibernation is what these spores do. They become virtually impervious to their surroundings as a result of this hibernation.