What term describes organisms that grow optimally at moderate temperatures?

The term that describes organisms that grow optimally at moderate temperatures is mesophiles. Mesophiles typically thrive in temperature ranges between 20°C to 45°C (68°F to 113°F). This range corresponds closely to the ambient temperatures commonly found in many environments, including the human body, where numerous mesophilic bacteria can be found.

In contrast, psychrophiles are organisms that prefer colder environments, typically growing best at temperatures below 20°C (68°F). Thermophiles thrive at higher temperatures, usually between 45°C and 80°C (113°F to 176°F), often found in hot springs or compost heaps, while hyperthermophiles have an even higher optimal growth temperature, generally above 80°C (176°F), often inhabiting extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents. Understanding these temperature preferences is crucial in microbiology for studying organism behavior and ecology, as well as for applications in food safety and biotechnology.