Which of the following environments would likely be free of microbial life?

• A. Deep ocean hydrothermal vents
• B. Sterilized surgical instruments
• C. Hot springs
• D. Human skin

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what microbial life means — it refers to microscopic organisms such as bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses that can survive in various environments.
2. Step 2: Analyze each environment given: Deep ocean hydrothermal vents, hot springs, and human skin are known to host diverse microbial communities, often extremophiles in harsh conditions.
3. Step 3: Recognize that sterilized surgical instruments are intentionally treated to remove or kill all forms of microbial life, making them free of microbes.
4. Step 4: Recall that sterilization methods include autoclaving, chemical disinfectants, or irradiation, which ensure no viable microorganisms remain on the instruments.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options, sterilized surgical instruments are the environment most likely to be free of microbial life due to deliberate sterilization processes.