Lec 1

Question 1

2 factors limit theory development in microbial ecology:

Answer 1

1. ) The lack of distinguishing microbial morphological characteristics and our inability to culture many organisms
   - Both have led to a scarcity of data and insights
2. ) The slow progress in incorporating general ecological theory and quantitative reasoning into microbial ecology education and research

Question 2

Also: microorganisms are very different from…

Answer 2

…plants and animals: small size, diversity, reproductive methods and rates, dispersal means, and metabolic diversity

Question 3

Environmental Microbiology (definition)

Answer 3

The study of microbial fate and activity in air, water and soil, and the resulting impact on human health and welfare

Question 4

Environmental Microbiology basically means…

Answer 4

The study of microbes within all habitats, and their beneficial and detrimental impacts on human health and welfare

Question 5

Microbial Ecology (definition)

Answer 5

The science that explores interrelationships between organisms and their living and abiotic environment

Question 6

Microbial Ecology basically means…

Answer 6

Microbial ecology includes the influence of environment on microbial growth and development

Question 7

Microbial Ecology =

Answer 7

Driving force behind Environmental Microbiology