Deutsch: Mikroorganismus / Español: Microorganismo - Microorganismo / Português: Micro-organismo - Micro-organismo / Français: Micro-organisme - Micro-organisme / Italiano: Microrganismo - Microrganismo
A microorganism or microbe is a microscopic organism, which may be a single cell or multicellular organism.
In the environmental context, "microorganism" refers to a microscopic organism that plays important roles in the natural world. Here are some examples:
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Bacteria: These are single-celled microorganisms that are found in soil, water, and on the surfaces of plants and animals. They play important roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and fermentation.
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Fungi: These are a diverse group of microorganisms that include mushrooms, molds, and yeasts. They play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling, and are also used in food production and medicine.
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Protozoa: These are single-celled organisms that are found in soil, water, and on the surfaces of plants and animals. They are important predators and decomposers in aquatic environments.
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Viruses: These are tiny particles that can only replicate inside living cells. They can have both positive and negative effects on the environment, such as controlling populations of harmful organisms or causing disease in plants and animals.
Other terms that are similar to "microorganism" in the environmental context include:
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Microbe: This is a general term that refers to any microscopic organism, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.
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Microbial community: This refers to a group of microorganisms that live together in a particular environment and interact with each other and with their surroundings.
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Microbiome: This refers to the collection of microorganisms that live in and on the surfaces of plants, animals, and humans. These microorganisms play important roles in digestion, immunity, and overall health.
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Pathogen: This refers to a microorganism that can cause disease in plants, animals, or humans. Many pathogens are also harmful to the environment, such as those that cause coral bleaching or amphibian declines.