Biodiversity of Marine Microbes
Marine microbial life is comprised of a variety of different evolutionary groups from all
three domains of life, Eukaryotes, Bacteria, and Archaea. It is responsible for about half of the
primary production on earth, plays irreplaceable roles in biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem
functioning, and actively participates in complex processes and interactions. Marine microbes are the
basis of marine trophic webs (autotrophs), and an important link between different trophic levels,
as decomposers, parasites, and endosymbionts. They are used as biological indicators of water
quality, eutrophication, and degraded marine environments, and are targeted in conservation and
restoration plans.
Biodiversity of Marine Microbes
Marine microbial life is comprised of a variety of different evolutionary groups from all
three domains of life, Eukaryotes, Bacteria, and Archaea. It is responsible for about half of the
primary production on earth, plays irreplaceable roles in biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem
functioning, and actively participates in complex processes and interactions. Marine microbes are the
basis of marine trophic webs (autotrophs), and an important link between different trophic levels,
as decomposers, parasites, and endosymbionts. They are used as biological indicators of water
quality, eutrophication, and degraded marine environments, and are targeted in conservation and
restoration plans.
