This collection of essays discusses fascinating aspects of the concept that microbes are at the root of all ecosystems. The content is divided into seven parts, the first of those emphasizes that microbes not only were the starting point, but sustain the rest of the biosphere and shows how life evolves through a perpetual struggle for habitats and niches. Part II explains the ways in which microbial life persists in some of the most extreme environments, while Part III presents our understanding of the core aspects of microbial metabolism. Part IV examines the duality of the microbial world, acknowledging that life exists as a balance between certain processes that we perceive as being environmentally supportive and others that seem environmentally destructive. In turn, Part V discusses basic aspects of microbial symbioses, including interactions with other microorganisms, plants and animals. The concept of microbial symbiosis as a driving force in evolution is covered in Part VI. In closing, Part VII explores the adventure of microbiological research, including some reminiscences from and perspectives on the lives and careers of microbe hunters.

Given its mixture of science and philosophy, the book will appeal to scientists and advanced students of microbiology, evolution and ecology alike.

Shares fascinating insights into the evolutionary, biological and ecological importance of microorganisms Offers a collection of unique essays, written by noted scientists from various fields Includes some philosophical thoughts to put the findings in a broader context

Autorentext
Christon J. HurstCincinnati, Ohio, USA

and Universidad del Valle, Santiago de Cali, Valle Colombia

Inhalt
Part I. Recognizing the Role of Microorganisms in our World .- Our Living World Rests upon a Foundation of Microorganisms: The Constant Struggle for Habitat and Niche.- Darwin's Science's Impact on the Evolution of the Microbiological Sciences.- Microbes and Marine Sediments: A Lifelong Relationship on Earth's Biosphere.- The Democracy of Dirt: Relating Micro-Scale Dynamics to Macro-Scale Ecosystem Function.- Part II. Microbial Life Persists Within Even the Most Extreme Environments .- The Concept of Evanescent Microbial Ecosystems in Earth's Atmosphere.- When the Vital Signs of Microbial Life Go Cold, Does That Mean the Pulse Is Gone? Microbial Life Persists at the Limits of Cryoenvironments on Earth.- Lithotrophic (Stone Eating) Microbes Provide the Foundation for Deep Subsurface Ecosystems.- Part III. Understanding the Core Values of Microbial Metabolism ,- Miraculous Fixation of Molecular Nitrogen from the Atmosphere.- Mutagens, Radicals, Rocket Fuel and Laughing Gas: Stringing Metabolic Modules to Survive on Nitrogenous Poisons.- The Grand Microbial Variety Show.- Part IV. Microbes Established and Sustain Life.- Microbes' Many Roles in Climate Change: Contribution, Consequence, Mitigation, and Model System.- The Revolutionary Potential of the Hidden Half of Nature in Agriculture and Medicine.- Microscale Carbon Cycling Between Bacteria and Algae under the Sun.- Part V. The Basic Aspects of Microbial Symbioses .- Discovering the Symbiotic Nature of Microbial Life: Summarizing Milestone Publications from 1866 through 1947.- Microscopic World and the Phenomenon of Symbiosis in the Natural Environment.- Symbiosis in a Rapidly Changing World.- DiversityFunction Relationships and the Underlying Ecological Mechanisms in Host-Associated Microbial Communities.- Darwinian Medicine: We Evolved to Require Continuing Contact with the Microbiota of the Natural Environment. Evolution Turns the Inevitable into a Necessity.- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Enzyme ACC Deaminase.- The Diazotroph as an Endophyte and How a Diazotroph Interacts with Its Plant Host.- The Hologenome Hypothesis and Its Application to Plant-Microbe Interactions on an Evolutionary Scale.- Beneficial Role of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria in Bioremediation of Heavy Metal(loid) Contaminated Agricultural Fields.- Defensive Microbiomes: A Widespread Phenomenon in Nature.- Coevolution of Molluscs and Their Microbes.- Invisible Interactions between Microorganisms.- Part VI. Microbial Symbiosis as a Driving Force in Evolution .- The Game of Evolution Is Won by Competitive Cheating.- The Importance of Being Symbiont and the Role of Symbiosis as a Driving Force in Evolution.- Viruses, Underestimated Drivers of Ecology and Evolution of Life.- Coevolution of Bryophytes and their Associated Microorganisms.- Part VII. The Adventure of Microbiology Research.- BUBBLES in the MUD: A Reminiscence and Perspective.- Salty, Alkali-LacedTales (Mostly True) from the Great Basin Desert, California and Nevada.