Ecological Diversity Among Microorganisms — Phototrophs, Nitrogen Fixers, and Extremophiles | Chapter 15 from Brock Biology of Microorganisms
Ecological Diversity Among Microorganisms — Phototrophs, Nitrogen Fixers, and Extremophiles | Chapter 15 from Brock Biology of Microorganisms Chapter 15 of Brock Biology of Microorganisms offers a fascinating journey through the vast ecological diversity of microbial life. From oxygenic phototrophs to sulfur reducers, microbes have evolved to thrive in virtually every niche on Earth. This chapter emphasizes how different metabolic traits, environmental tolerances, morphologies, and evolutionary backgrounds allow microorganisms to occupy unique ecological roles—even when their metabolisms appear similar. Watch the complete video summary below and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more in-depth textbook chapter reviews in biology and beyond. Phototrophic Bacteria and Their Ecologies Cyanobacteria These oxygenic phototrophs were the first to produce atmospheric O₂. They are morphologically diverse—ranging from unicellular to colonial forms—and contain thylakoid membra...