Microbial biodiversity and biogeography

Pearce, David and Galand, Pierre (2008) Microbial biodiversity and biogeography. In: Polar Lakes and Rivers. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp. 213-230. ISBN 9780199213887

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Abstract

This chapter summarizes the major groups of microorganisms found in high latitude aquatic ecosystems and the methodological approaches used to study their biodiversity. The underlying mechanisms that influence microbial biodiversity, including both the survival and dispersal of microorganisms in polar aquatic environments, are explored. The chapter considers the biogeography of microorganisms (i.e., the distribution of taxa) in polar aquatic ecosystems and presents studies that reveal a degree of endemism. To date, studies have shown that among the microorganisms of polar aquatic habitats, morphological class hides a much greater genetic diversity; the extent of the biodiversity uncovered is proportional to sample effort; the vast majority of biodiversity is as yet uncultivated; cosmopolitan groups are present; and that the key environmental factors controlling microbial distribution are temperature and biotic interactions.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	microbes, bacteria, endemism, morphology, molecular biodiversity, dispersal, survival
Subjects:	C500 Microbiology
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Applied Sciences
Depositing User:	Becky Skoyles
Date Deposited:	21 Dec 2015 14:53
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2019 17:31
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/25155

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