Microbial Ecology Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the approximate number of viruses typically found in a milliliter of water from the surface of a lake or the ocean?

10⁷ viruses (correct)

10¹⁵ viruses

10⁶ viruses

10² viruses

How does the biomass of bacteria and archaea compare to that of macroscopic organisms?

Less than that of bacteria and archaea

Equal to that of animal biomass

Rivals that of all plants in the biosphere (correct)

Greater than that of bacteria and archaea

Which of the following conditions is essential for hyperthermophilic archaea to thrive?

Near boiling water temperatures exceeding 80 °C (correct)

High pressure environments

High salinity levels

Temperatures below 80 °C

How many bacteria are typically found in a gram of soil or sediment?

10⁹ bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What type of microbial communities can be found in seemingly impenetrable rocks?

Dense microbial communities including archaea Signup and view all the answers

Which environment is NOT mentioned as a thriving location for hyperthermophilic microbes?

Cold freshwater lakes Signup and view all the answers

In which environment are microbes commonly found that macroscopic organisms are typically not?

Environments with extreme temperatures and pressures Signup and view all the answers

What is a famous location known for its dense microbial communities in extreme environments?

Yellowstone National Park Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of cells of bacteria and archaea in the ocean's subsurface?

355 x 10²⁸ cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the microbes found in boiling acid baths?

They can survive at both high temperatures and low pH Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main reasons for studying microbial ecology?

Microbes are vital for many essential processes in the biosphere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups of organisms is NOT considered a microbe?

Macroscopic animals Signup and view all the answers

What factor is implicated in the decline of amphibian populations worldwide?

Infections by chytrid fungi Signup and view all the answers

What statement reflects John Ingraham's point about microbes and pathogens?

There are more murders among humans than threats from pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the relationship between infectious diseases and population levels in nature?

Infectious diseases significantly control population levels of macroscopic organisms Signup and view all the answers

What are microbes, primarily bacteria, known for in relation to organic pollutants?

They degrade them into innocuous compounds and CO2. Signup and view all the answers

Why are microbes considered good models for laboratory experiments?

They grow rapidly and can be easily manipulated. Signup and view all the answers

What theory has been adapted by microbial ecologists to study the dispersal of microbes?

Island biogeography theory. Signup and view all the answers

How do microbes contribute to understanding the ecology of plants and animals?

Their strategies offer insights into ecological interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What has been one of the significant challenges in degrading organic pollutants?

They are recalcitrant due to complex structures. Signup and view all the answers

What type of interactions have viruses and bacteria been used to investigate?

Predator-prey interactions. Signup and view all the answers

In relation to extraterrestrial life, what insights can today's microbes provide?

They may mimic conditions on early Earth relevant for life on other planets. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the applications of microbial studies in general ecology?

They are used to explore questions of population genetics. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinguishing characteristic between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Metabolic diversity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following domains contains organisms that are classified as microbes?

Bacteria and Archaea Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the size of prokaryotes is true?

Overlapping sizes exist among prokaryotes and eukaryotes Signup and view all the answers

Diplomonads are categorized under which group?

Eukaryotes Signup and view all the answers

What is the volume relationship of exceptionally large prokaryotic cells compared to typical bacteria?

They have a larger effective volume Signup and view all the answers

What type of metabolism do eukaryotes possess?

Two basic types found in plants and animals Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of a nucleus indicate?

The organism is a eukaryote Signup and view all the answers

How many primary domains of life are there?

Three Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Microbial Diversity and Ecology

Microbes include bacteria, archaea, fungi, and eukaryotes, playing a crucial role in ecosystems.
Pathogens cause diseases in macroscopic organisms, impacting populations significantly, as seen in declining amphibians due to chytrid fungi.
Microbial ecology is vital for understanding biogeochemical processes and ecosystem dynamics.

Importance of Microbial Study

Microbes serve as models for biochemistry and molecular biology due to their rapid growth and easy manipulation in laboratories.
They aid in exploring general ecological questions and theories, including island biogeography and predator-prey dynamics.

Microbial Biomass

The biomass of bacteria and archaea exceeds that of all plants and animals combined, with substantial quantities found in various habitats:
- Aquatic: 12 × 10²⁸ cells, 2.2 Pg carbon
- Oceanic subsurface: 355 × 10²⁸ cells, 303 Pg carbon
- Soil: 26 × 10²⁸ cells, 26 Pg carbon
- Terrestrial subsurface: 25–250 × 10²⁸ cells, 22–215 Pg carbon

Adaptability of Microbes

Microbes occupy extreme environments, including high temperature, pH, and pressure conditions that are inhospitable to most macroscopic life.
Hyperthermophilic bacteria thrive in extreme conditions such as boiling waters, exemplified by Yellowstone's hot springs.

Virus and Microbial Interaction

Interactions between viruses and bacteria provide insights into ecological dynamics, including microbial genetics and dispersal patterns.

Evolutionary Insights

Studying contemporary microbes can reveal information about early life on Earth, contributing to knowledge about planetary life forms beyond Earth, specifically in extremophile studies.

Metabolic Diversity

A significant distinction between prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and eukaryotes is metabolic diversity, with eukaryotes having two primary types of metabolism: one in plants and another in other eukaryotic organisms.

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Description

This quiz explores the significance of microbial ecology, focusing on various microorganisms like bacteria, archaea, and fungi. It examines their impact on human health and the environment, as well as the decline of amphibians due to disease. Get ready to test your knowledge on these essential ecological players!