Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1038/ismej.2016.174
Title (Primary) Where less may be more: how the rare biosphere pulls ecosystems strings
Author Jousset, A.; Bienhold, C.; Chatzinotas, A.; Gallien, L.; Gobet, A.; Kurm, V.; Küsel, K.; Rillig, M.C.; Rivett, D.W.; Salles, J.F.; van der Heijden, M.G.A.; Youssef, N.H.; Zhang, X.; Wei, Z.; Hol, W.H.G.
Source Titel ISME Journal
Year 2017
Department UMB; iDiv
Volume 11
Issue 4
Page From 853
Page To 862
Language englisch
UFZ wide themes RU1;
Abstract Rare species are increasingly recognized as crucial, yet vulnerable components of Earth’s ecosystems. This is also true for microbial communities, which are typically composed of a high number of relatively rare species. Recent studies have demonstrated that rare species can have an over-proportional role in biogeochemical cycles and may be a hidden driver of microbiome function. In this review, we provide an ecological overview of the rare microbial biosphere, including causes of rarity and the impacts of rare species on ecosystem functioning. We discuss how rare species can have a preponderant role for local biodiversity and species turnover with rarity potentially bound to phylogenetically conserved features. Rare microbes may therefore be overlooked keystone species regulating the functioning of host-associated, terrestrial and aquatic environments. We conclude this review with recommendations to guide scientists interested in investigating this rapidly emerging research area.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=18552
Jousset, A., Bienhold, C., Chatzinotas, A., Gallien, L., Gobet, A., Kurm, V., Küsel, K., Rillig, M.C., Rivett, D.W., Salles, J.F., van der Heijden, M.G.A., Youssef, N.H., Zhang, X., Wei, Z., Hol, W.H.G. (2017):
Where less may be more: how the rare biosphere pulls ecosystems strings
ISME J. 11 (4), 853 - 862 10.1038/ismej.2016.174