Ranging from submicroscopic viruses to giant sequoia trees, this horde of organisms has adapted to almost every kind of environment, from hot springs to glacial ice.

Such habitats involve the interactions of plants and animals with various parts of the earth and are involved in many important earth processes.

Coal and petroleum have been formed from the remains of prehistoric organisms.

Bacteria played an essential role in the development of certain types of iron ore.

Finally, the study of fossils has provided a great deal of information about earth's history and the development of life.