Microbiomes have been the subject of extensive research over the past two decades. Microbial communities of bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses have remarkable levels of phylogenetic diversity, and their repertoire of functional genes is unparalleled. Microbial communities are key players in ecosystem processes and have been shown to drive nutrient recycling, carbon sequestration and the decomposition of organic matter. Studies on the human microbiome suggest similarly high levels of taxonomic diversity. Studies on environmental and host-associated microbiomes together confirm that microbiomes underpin virtually all ecosystem services.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 16, 2023 16:10 UTC