Microbial ecology

Definition

Microbial ecology is the study of microorganisms in their natural environments. It focuses on interactions among microbial communities and their roles in ecosystem functions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Microbial ecology examines relationships between prokaryotes and their habitats, including soil, water, and living hosts.
2. Microbiomes are communities of microorganisms that inhabit specific environments, such as the human gut or soil.
3. Symbiotic relationships in microbial ecology include mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
4. Prokaryotes play crucial roles in nutrient cycling processes like nitrogen fixation and decomposition.
5. Techniques like metagenomics are used to study microbial diversity without needing to culture organisms in a lab.

Review Questions

Related terms

Symbiosis:

A close association between two different organisms, often benefiting at least one of them.

Metagenomics:

The study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples.

Nitrogen Fixation:

The process by which certain prokaryotes convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants.