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Published on: April 17, 2018
Oligotrophs versus copiotrophs
1Biology Department, Indiana University, Jordan Hall 142, 1001 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN 47405-6801, USA. Koch@indiana.edu
Abstract:
Bacteria can grow rapidly, yet there are some that grow slowly under apparent optimal conditions. These organisms are usually present in environments with low levels of nutrients, and are not found in conditions of more plentiful nutrients. They are known as "oligotrophs"in contrast to "copiotrophs", which are common in environments with greater nutritional opportunities. This essay asks why do the oligotrophs not occupy richer environments, and why are copiotrophs not more prevalent in chronic starvation environments?
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