- A volcano makes hot lava that covers the ground.
- The lava cools and soon becomes hard black rock.
- Microbes reach the new rock within just a few hours.
- Scientists collect and study samples very soon after cooling.
- They also take rainwater and tiny air particle samples.
- Many different microbes appear during the first months.
- A cold winter kills some microbes and reduces diversity.
- After winter the small microbial community becomes more stable.
Difficult words
- microbe — A very small living organism, often invisibleMicrobes
- sample — A small piece taken to study or testsamples
- diversity — Many different types in a group or place
- community — A group of living things in one place
- stable — Not changing much over time; steady
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen a volcano?
- Would you like to study rocks or microbes?
- What is the cold season where you live?
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