Homework Help is Here – Start Your Trial Now!
Science
Biology
help produce food and medicines fix nitrogen decompose and break down waste maintain genetic diversity of crop plants form the base of food chains are a healthy part of digestive tract

help produce food and medicines fix nitrogen decompose and break down waste maintain genetic diversity of crop plants form the base of food chains are a healthy part of digestive tract

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
See similar textbooks
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question

Select all of the ways that prokaryotes are important for humans and ecosystems. 

## The Importance of Microorganisms in Ecosystems Microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and functionality of ecosystems. They engage in various processes that benefit both the environment and living organisms. Below are some of the key functions of microorganisms: 1. **Help produce food and medicines** - Microorganisms are integral in the production of certain foods and medicinal products. For example, bacteria and fungi are used in the fermentation process to create yogurt, cheese, and antibiotics. 2. **Fix nitrogen** - Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use for growth. This process is essential for maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant life. 3. **Decompose and break down waste** - Decomposer organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic matter and waste products, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. 4. **Maintain genetic diversity of crop plants** - Microorganisms contribute to the maintenance of genetic diversity in crops by facilitating natural processes such as pollination and seed dispersal. This diversity is vital for resilience against diseases and environmental changes. 5. **Form the base of food chains** - Phytoplankton and other microorganisms form the base of aquatic food chains, providing nutrients for larger organisms. This is fundamental for the survival of marine ecosystems. 6. **Are a healthy part of digestive tract** - The human digestive tract hosts a large community of beneficial microorganisms that aid in digestion, boost the immune system, and contribute to overall health. Understanding these roles highlights the vital contributions of microorganisms to both the environment and human welfare. Their activities ensure the sustainability and health of various ecosystems across the planet.
Transcribed Image Text:## The Importance of Microorganisms in Ecosystems Microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and functionality of ecosystems. They engage in various processes that benefit both the environment and living organisms. Below are some of the key functions of microorganisms: 1. **Help produce food and medicines** - Microorganisms are integral in the production of certain foods and medicinal products. For example, bacteria and fungi are used in the fermentation process to create yogurt, cheese, and antibiotics. 2. **Fix nitrogen** - Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use for growth. This process is essential for maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant life. 3. **Decompose and break down waste** - Decomposer organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic matter and waste products, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. 4. **Maintain genetic diversity of crop plants** - Microorganisms contribute to the maintenance of genetic diversity in crops by facilitating natural processes such as pollination and seed dispersal. This diversity is vital for resilience against diseases and environmental changes. 5. **Form the base of food chains** - Phytoplankton and other microorganisms form the base of aquatic food chains, providing nutrients for larger organisms. This is fundamental for the survival of marine ecosystems. 6. **Are a healthy part of digestive tract** - The human digestive tract hosts a large community of beneficial microorganisms that aid in digestion, boost the immune system, and contribute to overall health. Understanding these roles highlights the vital contributions of microorganisms to both the environment and human welfare. Their activities ensure the sustainability and health of various ecosystems across the planet.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

SEE SOLUTIONCheck out a sample Q&A here
Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Functional diversity
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9780134580999
Author:
Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:
PEARSON
Biology 2e
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:
9781947172517
Author:
Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:
OpenStax
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:
9781259398629
Author:
McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:
Mcgraw Hill Education,
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9780815344322
Author:
Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:
W. W. Norton & Company
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:
9781260159363
Author:
Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9781260231700
Author:
Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:
McGraw Hill Education
SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS