 Archaea are prokaryota cells, typically characterized by membrane lipids that are branched hydrocarbon chains attached to glycerol by ether linkages.The presence of these other linkages in Archaea adds to their ability to withstand extreme temperatures and highly acidic conditions, but many archaea live in mild environments.Halophiles, organisms that thrive in highly salty environments, and hyperthermophiles, organisms that thrive in extremely hot environments, are examples of Archaea.