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What ecologists can tell virologists
1Biology Department, Queens College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Queens, New York 11367;
Annual Review of Microbiology
|May 23, 2014
Summary
This review explores virus ecology from a virus's viewpoint, highlighting their crucial roles in ecological processes. Viruses are increasingly recognized as vital components of ecosystems, not just disease agents.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Microbiology
- Virology
Background:
- Ecology evolved from natural history, expanding to include microbial life.
- Viruses, once viewed as disease agents, are now recognized for their ecological significance.
- There's a growing trend to consider viruses as living organisms due to their ecological impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe virus ecology from a virus's perspective.
- To highlight the critical contributions of viruses to ecological processes.
- To explore the world as experienced by a virus.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on virus ecology.
- Conceptualization of ecological interactions from a viral standpoint.
- Synthesis of current understanding of viral roles in ecosystems.
Main Results:
- Viruses play critical roles in biogeochemical cycling.
- Viruses influence community structuring and competition.
- Viruses are significant drivers of horizontal gene transfer.
Conclusions:
- Viewing viruses from their own perspective offers new ecological insights.
- Viruses are integral to ecosystem function and dynamics.
- Understanding virus ecology is essential for comprehending life on Earth.
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