The most unusual sequence tags come from organisms present in low abundance, and these bacteria make up the 'rare biosphere'. "The detection of these previously overlooked microbes opens a world of new questions about their role in ecological processes and their evolutionary history," says Dr. Sogin.
The study forms part of the International Census of Marine Microbes (ICoMM), a project of the Census of Marine Life, a 10-year global initiative started in year 2000 that now involves more than 1,700 researchers in over 70 countries in efforts to assess and explain the diversity, distribution, and abundance of life in the oceans -- past, present, and future.
"ICoMM has brought together some of the top microbial oceanographers and evolutionary biologists in the world," says MBL Director Gary G. Borisy. "This discovery by Dr. Sogin and his colleagues demonstrates the value of a collaborative and innovative approach to understanding microscopic life in our oceans."
Earth's Most Ancient Life Forms
"Microbes constitute the vast majority of marine biomass and are the primary engines of Earth's biosphere," says Dr. Sogin. "They are the oldest life forms, the primary catalysts of energy transformation, and fundamental to the biogeochemical cycles that shape our planetary atmosphere and environment.
"From an evolutionary perspective, they are of pivotal importance. They were
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Contact: Terry Collins
terrycollins@rogers.com
416-538-8712
Census of Marine Life
31-Jul-2006