Microbiomes / Microbiotas

Host-associated microbiotas can:

• Provide novel ecological capabilities


• Evolve rapidly


• Exchange microbes or genes with other microbiotas, their hosts, and the environment

While the adaptation of host populations to changing environments through natural selection and genetic changes across generations is well-documented, the role of microbiotas in mediating adaptation, particularly at the population level, remains less understood. (3, 4, 5, 6).

Microbiota have critical functions in both natural and biotechnological environments, from nutrient cycling in soil (1) to biofuel production in industrial biorefineries (2)

References

(1) Falkowski et al. 2008 Science 320: 10341039
(2) Senne de Oliveira Lino et al. 2021 Nat Commun 12: 1498
(3) Zilber-Rosenberg & Rosenberg 2008 FEMS Microbiol Rev 32: 723-…