Their World: A Diversity of Microbial Environments

Beschreibung

This volume summarizes recent advances in environmental microbiology by providing fascinating insights into the diversity of microbial life that exists on our planet. The first two chapters present theoretical perspectives that help to consolidate our understanding of evolution as an adaptive process by which the niche and habitat of each species develop in a manner that interconnects individual components of an ecosystem. This results in communities that function by simultaneously coordinating their metabolic and physiologic actions. The third contribution addresses the fossil record of microorganisms, and the subsequent chapters then introduce the microbial life that currently exists in various terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Coverage of the geosphere addresses endolithic organisms, life in caves and the deep continental biosphere, including how subsurface microbial life may impact spent nuclear fuel repositories. The discussion of the hydrosphere includes hypersaline environments and arctic food chains. By better understanding examples from the micro biosphere, we can elucidate the many ways in which the niches of different species, both large and small, interconnect within the overlapping habitats of this world, which is governed by its microorganisms.

This volume summarizes recent advances in environmental microbiology by providing fascinating insights into the diversity of microbial life that exists on our planet. The first two chapters present theoretical perspectives that help to consolidate our understanding of evolution as an adaptive process by which the niche and habitat of each species develop in a manner that interconnects individual components of an ecosystem. This results in communities that function by simultaneously coordinating their metabolic and physiologic actions. The third contribution addresses the fossil record of microorganisms, and the subsequent chapters then introduce the microbial life that currently exists in various terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Coverage of the geosphere addresses endolithic organisms, life in caves and the deep continental biosphere, including how subsurface microbial life may impact spent nuclear fuel repositories. The discussion of the hydrosphere includes hypersaline environments and arctic food chains. By better understanding examples from the micro biosphere, we can elucidate the many ways in which the niches of different species, both large and small, interconnect within the overlapping habitats of this world, which is governed by its microorganisms.

Autor*in

Christon J. Hurst

Themen in »Their World: A Diversity of Microbial Environments«

Acidophiles Microbial diversity Extremophiles Halophiles Paleomicrobiology Plankton Subsurface microbial life Hypersaline environments Arctic food chains Microbiosphere Deep subsurface geosphere Microbial habitats marine and freshwater sciences

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“Overall the three book series is an excellent resource that describes a new vision for microbial ecology based upon the guiding principles of evolution, habitat, and niche.  The series provides a rich set of examples that emphasize all three aspects of these guiding principles along with the interaction of microbial species within the context of these guiding principles.  The series is a must read that provides a new look at how the microbial world works.” (Helena M. Solo-Gabriele, Ph.D, P.E., Professor of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA)
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