Great Barrier Reef microbiome mapped as researchers discover 500 bacterial species previously unknown to science
Researchers have mapped the microbiome of the Great Barrier Reef, identifying over 500 new bacterial species and 360,000 distinct viruses. This metagenomic study highlights the critical role these microorganisms play in marine food chains and carbon cycling.
Why it matters
Understanding the microbial foundation of the reef is essential for conservation efforts and predicting how climate change might impact marine ecosystems.
Scientists have identified the vast communities of microbes that make up the Great Barrier Reef. Photograph: Jürgen Freund/WWF/PA Scientists have identified the vast communities of microbes that make up the Great Barrier Reef. Photograph: Jürgen Freund/WWF/PA Great Barrier Reef Great Barrier Reef microbiome mapped as researchers discover 500 bacterial species previously unknown to science Research identifies 808,585 viral genomes belonging to what scientists estimate to be 362,802 different viruses
Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast
Prefer the Guardian on Google More than a decade after the human microbiome was comprehensively mapped, scientists have now identified the vast communities of microbes that make up the Great Barrier Reef.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in