Microbial mat

Definition

Microbial mats are complex, multi-layered sheets of microorganisms, primarily bacteria and archaea. They are found in various aquatic environments and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Microbial mats can form in extreme environments such as hot springs or hypersaline lakes.
2. They consist of different layers, each dominated by distinct microbial communities performing specific metabolic functions.
3. Cyanobacteria often dominate the upper layers due to their photosynthetic capabilities.
4. Microbial mats are among the oldest known ecosystems on Earth, with fossil records dating back over 3.5 billion years.
5. They contribute to sediment stabilization and can influence the geochemistry of their environment.

Related terms

Biofilm: A thin, slimy layer of microorganisms adhering to a surface, similar to but simpler than microbial mats.

Cyanobacteria:

Photosynthetic bacteria commonly found in the upper layers of microbial mats.

Stromatolite: Layered structures formed by the activity of microbes in microbial mats, often fossilized.