Microbial Diversity and Ecology in Hotspots

Download Microbial Diversity and Ecology in Hotspots PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0323901492
Total Pages : 394 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (239 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Microbial Diversity and Ecology in Hotspots by : Aparna Gunjal

Download or read book Microbial Diversity and Ecology in Hotspots written by Aparna Gunjal and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2021-11-26 with total page 394 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Microbial Diversity in Hotspots provides an introduction to microbial diversity and microbes in different hotspots and threatened areas. The book gives insights on extremophiles, phyllosphere and rhizosphere, covers fungal diversity, conservation and microbial association, focuses on biodiversity acts and policies, and includes cases studies. Microbes explored are from the coldest to the hottest areas of the world. Although hotspots are zones with extremely high microbiology activities, the knowledge of microbial diversity from these areas is very limited, hence this is a welcome addition to existing resources. Provides an introduction to microbial biotechnology Addresses novel approaches to the study of microbial diversity in hotspots Provides the basics, along with advanced information on microbial diversity Discusses the techniques used to examine microbial diversity with their applications and respective pros and cons for sustainability Explores the importance of microbial genomes studies in commercial applications

Microbial Diversity in Ecosystem Sustainability and Biotechnological Applications

Download Microbial Diversity in Ecosystem Sustainability and Biotechnological Applications PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 9811383154
Total Pages : 635 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (113 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Microbial Diversity in Ecosystem Sustainability and Biotechnological Applications by : Tulasi Satyanarayana

Download or read book Microbial Diversity in Ecosystem Sustainability and Biotechnological Applications written by Tulasi Satyanarayana and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-07-17 with total page 635 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book discusses microbial diversity in various habitats and environments, its role in ecosystem maintenance, and its potential applications (e.g. biofertilizers, biocatalysts, antibiotics, other bioactive compounds, exopolysaccharides etc.). The respective chapters, all contributed by renowned experts, offer cutting-edge information in the fields of microbial ecology and biogeography. The book explains the reasons behind the occurrence of various biogeographies and highlights recent tools (e.g. metagenomics) that can aid in biogeography studies by providing information on nucleic acid sequence data, thereby directly identifying microorganisms in various habitats and environments. In turn, the book describes how human intervention results in depletion of biodiversity, and how numerous hotspots are now losing their endemic biodiversity, resulting in the loss of many ecologically important microorganisms. In closing, the book underscores the importance of microbial diversity for sustainable ecosystems.

Recent Advancements in Microbial Diversity

Download Recent Advancements in Microbial Diversity PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128212667
Total Pages : 624 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (282 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Recent Advancements in Microbial Diversity by : Surajit de Mandal

Download or read book Recent Advancements in Microbial Diversity written by Surajit de Mandal and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2020-06-02 with total page 624 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Microorganisms are a major part of the Earth’s biological diversity. Although a lot of research has been done on microbial diversity, most of it is fragmented. This book creates the need for a unified text to be published, full of information about microbial diversity from highly reputed and impactful sources. Recent Advancements in Microbial Diversity brings a comprehensive understanding of the recent advances in microbial diversity research focused on different bodily systems, such as the gut. Recent Advancements in Microbial Diversity also discusses how the application of advanced sequencing technologies is used to reveal previously unseen microbial diversity and show off its function. Gives insight into microbial diversity in different bodily systems Explains novel approaches to studying microbial diversity Highlights the use of omics to analyze the microbial community and its functional attributes Discusses the techniques used to examine microbial diversity, including their applications and respective strengths and weaknesses

Microbial Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Ecosystem Sustainability

Download Microbial Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Ecosystem Sustainability PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 9811943362
Total Pages : 529 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (119 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Microbial Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Ecosystem Sustainability by : Cristóbal Noé Aguilar

Download or read book Microbial Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Ecosystem Sustainability written by Cristóbal Noé Aguilar and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-01-05 with total page 529 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book gives insight into several aspects of the microbiology, biotechnology, and ecosystem sustainability of special and under-explored regions, that captivate human beings by their natural richness, their extensive biodiversity, the extraordinary forms of adaptation of the living beings that they inhabit, and even that keep living secrets as is the very origin of life. The chapters emphasize all aspects of biological diversity-its description, analysis, and conservation, and its controlled rational use by humankind. Also, the book is elaborated from a wide and multidisciplinary point of view. It presents reviews, research papers, comments, and research notes on biodiversity, ethnobiology, geoscience, chemistry, biological conservation, biotechnology, and ecosystem sustainability Two hotspots are the reference for this enriching book that describes details of extraordinary areas of the planet, from Cuatrociénegas, Coahuila (Mexico) to the Southern Western Ghats (India). The book will contribute to dealing with the practicalities of conservation management, economic, social, and political issues. It provides a forum for examining conflicts between sustainable development and human dependence on biodiversity in agriculture, environmental management, and biotechnology, and encourages contributions from developing countries to promote broad global perspectives on matters of biodiversity and conservation.

Microbial Ecology of Extreme Environments

Download Microbial Ecology of Extreme Environments PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319516868
Total Pages : 245 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (195 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Microbial Ecology of Extreme Environments by : Caroline Chénard

Download or read book Microbial Ecology of Extreme Environments written by Caroline Chénard and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-03-15 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores microbial lifestyles, biochemical adaptations, and trophic interactions occurring in extreme environments. By summarizing the latest findings in the field it provides a valuable reference for future studies. Spark ideas for biotechnological and commercial exploitation of microbiomes at the extremes of life are presented. Chapters on viruses complement this highly informative book. In a vertical journey through the microbial biosphere it covers aspects of cold environments, hot environments, extreme saline environments, and extreme pressure environments, and more. From the deep sea, through polar deserts, up to the clouds in the air - the diversity of microbial life in all habitats is described, explored, and comprehensively reviewed. Possible biotechnical applications are discussed. This book aims to provide a useful reference for those who want to start a research program in extreme microbiology and, hopefully, inspire new research directions.

Extremophiles in Eurasian Ecosystems: Ecology, Diversity, and Applications

Download Extremophiles in Eurasian Ecosystems: Ecology, Diversity, and Applications PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 9811303290
Total Pages : 464 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (113 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Extremophiles in Eurasian Ecosystems: Ecology, Diversity, and Applications by : Dilfuza Egamberdieva

Download or read book Extremophiles in Eurasian Ecosystems: Ecology, Diversity, and Applications written by Dilfuza Egamberdieva and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-07-26 with total page 464 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores various aspects of thermophilic and halophilic microbes from Eurasian ecosystems, which have proved to offer a unique reservoir of genetic diversity and biological source of extremophiles. It also covers the biotechnological uses of extremophiles, and their potential use in agricultural and industrial applications. The topics addressed include but are not limited to: diversity and microbial ecology, microbe-environment interactions, adaptation and evolution, element cycling and biotechnological applications of thermophiles and halophiles in Eurasian ecosystems. In order to review the progress made in biology and biotechnological applications of thermophiles and halophiles, the book combines review papers and results of original research from various specialists and authorities in the field. It includes several chapters describing the microbial diversity and ecology of geothermal springs distributed among the territory of various Eurasian countries, such as Armenia, Bulgaria, China, Georgia, India, Italy, Pakistan and Turkey. A dedicated chapter discusses selected aspects of thermophilic chemolithotrophic bacteria isolated from mining sites (sulfide ores); detailed descriptions of various thermophile microbes isolated from high-temperature environments and their biotechnological potential are also provided. Subsequent chapters describe the diversity and ecology of halophilic microbes harbored in saline and hypersaline lakes in Iran, Turkey and China; soil and plant microbiomes in saline arid lands of Uzbekistan; microbial diversity in Asian deserts; and the potential applications of thermophilic and halophilic microbes as exopolysaccharide (EPS) producers, focusing on the chemistry and applications of the EPS they produce. We hope that this book will prove valuable as an up-to-date overview of the current state of research on Eurasian extremophiles in general and thermophiles and halophiles in particular. Many questions remain unanswered, and we hope that it will stimulate further studies in this intriguing and promising field.

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria for Agricultural Sustainability

Download Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria for Agricultural Sustainability PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 9811375534
Total Pages : 314 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (113 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria for Agricultural Sustainability by : Ashok Kumar

Download or read book Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria for Agricultural Sustainability written by Ashok Kumar and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-06-28 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: To meet the food security needs of the 21st century, this book focuses on ecofriendly and sustainable production technologies based on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). It is estimated that the global population could increase to 9 billion by 2050. Further, the amount of land devoted to farming has decreased. Soil is a living entity, and is not only a valuable natural resource for agricultural and food security, but also for the preservation of all life processes. Agricultural productivity rests on the foundation of microbial diversity in the soil, and in recent years, PGPR have emerged as an important and promising tool for sustainable agriculture. The injudicious use of agrochemicals by farmers has created a range of negative impacts, not only threatening the environment, but also destroying useful microorganisms in the soil. The efficient use of PGPR reduces the need for these chemicals while simultaneously lowering production costs. In turn, increased yields could provide a more favourable environment and encourage sustainability. This book assesses the impacts of PGPR on crops, environmental and socio-economic sustainability, and demonstrates these ecofriendly technologies’ three critical advantages, namely (a) enhanced crop productivity, (b) reduced application of agrochemicals, and (c) increased incomes for farmers. Besides offering an economically attractive and ecologically sound means of augmenting the nutrient supply and combatting soil-borne pathogens, PGPR play an important part in boosting soil fertility, bioremediation and stress management for the development of ecofriendly and sustainable agriculture.

The Spatial Distribution of Microbes in the Environment

Download The Spatial Distribution of Microbes in the Environment PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1402062168
Total Pages : 339 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (2 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Spatial Distribution of Microbes in the Environment by : Rima Franklin

Download or read book The Spatial Distribution of Microbes in the Environment written by Rima Franklin and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2007-09-04 with total page 339 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume highlights recent advances that have contributed to our understanding of spatial patterns and scale issues in microbial ecology. The book brings together research conducted at a range of spatial scales (from μm to km) and in a variety of different types of environments. These topics are addressed in a quantitative manner, and a primer on statistical methods is included. In soil ecosystems, both bacteria and fungi are discussed.

Microbial Communities and their Interactions in the Extreme Environment

Download Microbial Communities and their Interactions in the Extreme Environment PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 9811637318
Total Pages : 348 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (116 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Microbial Communities and their Interactions in the Extreme Environment by : Dilfuza Egamberdieva

Download or read book Microbial Communities and their Interactions in the Extreme Environment written by Dilfuza Egamberdieva and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-10-19 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This second edition of the book entitled “Microbial Communities and Interactions in extreme environments” focus on thermophilic and halophilic extremophiles from various ecosystems, their biodiversity, interactions with other organisms and functions within their hostile environment. Biotechnology of extremophiles and their potential agricultural and industrial applications is the focus of this edition. However, extremophiles may cope with their challenging environments. Information on biodiversity of extremophiles and their interactions with the surrounding biomes helps in understanding their ecology and functions within their respective extreme environments. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, microbiologists, capacity builders and policymakers. Also, the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, forestry, ecology, soil science, microbiology and environmental sciences.

Journey to Diverse Microbial Worlds

Download Journey to Diverse Microbial Worlds PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9401142696
Total Pages : 383 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (11 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Journey to Diverse Microbial Worlds by : Joseph Seckbach

Download or read book Journey to Diverse Microbial Worlds written by Joseph Seckbach and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 383 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this Journey to Microbial Worlds we present the diversity of microorganisms, from the state of fossil microbes in Archaean age rocks to the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. This volume discusses the extremophiles living in harsh environments (from our anthropocentric point) and describes them in considerable detail. Some chapters also review topics such as symbiosis, bacterial luminescence, methanogens, and petroleum-grown cells. The final chapters of this book shed new light on astrobiology and speculate on extremophiles as candidates for extraterrestrial life. All chapters are updated to the latest research level.

Freshwater Microbiology

Download Freshwater Microbiology PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 012817496X
Total Pages : 450 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Freshwater Microbiology by : Suhaib A. Bandh

Download or read book Freshwater Microbiology written by Suhaib A. Bandh and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2019-08-01 with total page 450 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Freshwater Microbiology: Perspectives of Bacterial Dynamics in Lake Ecosystems provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of microbial ecology in lakes. It offers basic information on how well the bacterial community composition varies along the spatio-temporal and trophic gradients along with the evaluation of the bioindicator species of bacteria so as to act as a key to predict the trophic status of lake ecosystems. The book helps to identify the factors of potential importance in structuring the bacterial communities in lakes as it delves into the dynamics and diversity of bacterial community composition in relation to various water quality parameters. It helps to identify the possibility of bioremediation plans and devising future policy decisions, with better conservation and management practices. Provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of microbial ecology Helps to identify the factors of potential importance in structuring the bacterial community composition Gives insight into the bacterial diversity of freshwater lake ecosystems along with their industrial potential Caters to the needs and aspirations of students and professional researchers

The Role of Microbial Communities in Tropical Ecosystems

Download The Role of Microbial Communities in Tropical Ecosystems PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Frontiers Media SA
ISBN 13 : 2889450678
Total Pages : 175 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (894 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Role of Microbial Communities in Tropical Ecosystems by : Silvia Pajares

Download or read book The Role of Microbial Communities in Tropical Ecosystems written by Silvia Pajares and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2017-01-13 with total page 175 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tropical ecosystems are different in important ways from those of temperate regions. They are a major reservoir of plant and animal biodiversity and play important roles in global climate regulation and biogeochemical cycling. They are also under great threat due to the conversion of tropical ecosystems to other uses. Thus, in the context of global change, it is crucial to understand how environmental factors, biogeographic patterns, and land use changes interact to influence the structure and function of microbial communities in these ecosystems. The contributions to this Research Topic showcase the current knowledge regarding microbial ecology in tropical ecosystems, identify many challenges and questions that remain to be addressed and open up new horizons in our understanding of the environmental and anthropological factors controlling microbial communities in these important ecosystems.

Adaption of Microbial Life to Environmental Extremes

Download Adaption of Microbial Life to Environmental Extremes PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319483277
Total Pages : 342 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (194 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Adaption of Microbial Life to Environmental Extremes by : Helga Stan-Lotter

Download or read book Adaption of Microbial Life to Environmental Extremes written by Helga Stan-Lotter and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-03-02 with total page 342 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This entirely updated second edition provides an overview on the biology, ecology and biodiversity of extremophiles. Unusual and less explored ecosystems inhabited by extremophiles such as marine hypersaline deeps, extreme cold, desert sands, and man-made clean rooms for spacecraft assembly are presented. An additional focus is put on the role of these highly specialized microorganism in applied research fields, ranging from biotechnology and nanotechnology to astrobiology. Examples such as novel psychrophilic enzymes, compounds from halophiles, and detection strategies for potential extraterrestrial life forms are discussed in detail. The book addresses researchers and advanced students in the fields of microbiology, microbial ecology and biotechnology.

Their World: A Diversity of Microbial Environments

Download Their World: A Diversity of Microbial Environments PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319280716
Total Pages : 381 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (192 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Their World: A Diversity of Microbial Environments by : Christon J. Hurst

Download or read book Their World: A Diversity of Microbial Environments written by Christon J. Hurst and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-05-02 with total page 381 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Microbiology of Hot Deserts

Download Microbiology of Hot Deserts PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 303098415X
Total Pages : 359 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (39 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Microbiology of Hot Deserts by : Jean-Baptiste Ramond

Download or read book Microbiology of Hot Deserts written by Jean-Baptiste Ramond and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2022-07-28 with total page 359 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book covers the wider aspects of the microbiology of hot desert soil ecosystems, compiling disparate information from a range of relevant desert soil microbial fields. The reader learns about microbial ecology of the more dominant and possibly most important desert habitats, detailing the phylogenetic and functional diversity of these different habitats as well as their potential role in desert ecosystem ecology. Particular attention is also given to microbial stress adaptation in hot desert soils. Furthermore, it is the first volume in this particular field to cover modern metagenomics technologies that can be applied to studies of all aspects of desert microbial communities. Additionally, the book explores viruses and viral communities, which are among the least studied (and little understood) components of desert soil microbial communities. Particular attention is also given to the roles of desert microbial communities in biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Through this book the reader discovers how desert microbiology has been at the forefront of Astrobiology and how it may be used conceptually in future terraforming strategies. Desert ecosystems are increasingly coming into focus given the impacts of climate change and desertification trends, making this volume particularly timely. Each of the chapters is authored by leading international researchers and is a must-read for microbial ecologists.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Download Biodiversity Hotspots PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9783642209925
Total Pages : 550 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (99 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Biodiversity Hotspots by : Frank E. Zachos

Download or read book Biodiversity Hotspots written by Frank E. Zachos and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2011-09-15 with total page 550 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biodiversity and its conservation are among the main global topics in science and politics and perhaps the major challenge for the present and coming generations. This book written by international experts from different disciplines comprises general chapters on diversity and its measurement, human impacts on biodiversity hotspots on a global scale, human diversity itself and various geographic regions exhibiting high levels of diversity. The areas covered range from genetics and taxonomy to evolutionary biology, biogeography and the social sciences. In addition to the classic hotspots in the tropics, the book also highlights various other ecosystems harbouring unique species communities including coral reefs and the Southern Ocean. The approach taken considers, but is not limited to, the original hotspot definition sensu stricto and presents a chapter introducing the 35th hotspot, the forests of East Australia. While, due to a bias in data availability, the majority of contributions on particular taxa deal with vertebrates and plants, some also deal with the less-studied invertebrates. This book will be essential reading for anyone involved with biodiversity, particularly researchers and practitioners in the fields of conservation biology, ecology and evolution.

The Social Biology of Microbial Communities

Download The Social Biology of Microbial Communities PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309264324
Total Pages : 633 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (92 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Social Biology of Microbial Communities by : Institute of Medicine

Download or read book The Social Biology of Microbial Communities written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2013-01-10 with total page 633 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Beginning with the germ theory of disease in the 19th century and extending through most of the 20th century, microbes were believed to live their lives as solitary, unicellular, disease-causing organisms . This perception stemmed from the focus of most investigators on organisms that could be grown in the laboratory as cellular monocultures, often dispersed in liquid, and under ambient conditions of temperature, lighting, and humidity. Most such inquiries were designed to identify microbial pathogens by satisfying Koch's postulates.3 This pathogen-centric approach to the study of microorganisms produced a metaphorical "war" against these microbial invaders waged with antibiotic therapies, while simultaneously obscuring the dynamic relationships that exist among and between host organisms and their associated microorganisms-only a tiny fraction of which act as pathogens. Despite their obvious importance, very little is actually known about the processes and factors that influence the assembly, function, and stability of microbial communities. Gaining this knowledge will require a seismic shift away from the study of individual microbes in isolation to inquiries into the nature of diverse and often complex microbial communities, the forces that shape them, and their relationships with other communities and organisms, including their multicellular hosts. On March 6 and 7, 2012, the Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) Forum on Microbial Threats hosted a public workshop to explore the emerging science of the "social biology" of microbial communities. Workshop presentations and discussions embraced a wide spectrum of topics, experimental systems, and theoretical perspectives representative of the current, multifaceted exploration of the microbial frontier. Participants discussed ecological, evolutionary, and genetic factors contributing to the assembly, function, and stability of microbial communities; how microbial communities adapt and respond to environmental stimuli; theoretical and experimental approaches to advance this nascent field; and potential applications of knowledge gained from the study of microbial communities for the improvement of human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health and toward a deeper understanding of microbial diversity and evolution. The Social Biology of Microbial Communities: Workshop Summary further explains the happenings of the workshop.