Syntrophy.

Beneficial Relationships, 2011

We tend to over look the organisms living right outside our window. It is estimated that there are more bacteria in the ocean alone than stars in the sky.


Our world is full of different communities comprised of interacting populations all throughout nature. However, it seems as though unless there is a direct surprisingly new influence on us (for example, a pathogenic disease or a prion outbreak such as 'Mad Cow' disease)- we don't notice. We forget that they drive nutrient cycles, are responsible for mediating many chemical reactions, and are involved in primary production- contributing to the atmosphere that we live and breath. I am in awe of the magnitude of their existence and the mighty role that they place in my world and yours.