Where less may be more: how the rare biosphere pulls ecosystems strings.

Area of Science:

• Microbial Ecology
• Ecosystem Science
• Biodiversity Research

Background:

• Rare species are increasingly recognized for their ecological importance.
• Microbial communities often contain a high proportion of rare species.
• Rare microbes can disproportionately influence biogeochemical cycles and microbiome function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an ecological overview of the rare microbial biosphere.
• To explore the causes and impacts of microbial rarity.
• To highlight the role of rare microbes in ecosystem functioning.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ecological studies on rare species.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on microbial rarity.
• Analysis of the functional roles of rare microbes in various environments.

Main Results:

• Rare species can significantly impact local biodiversity and species turnover.
• Rarity in microbes may be linked to conserved phylogenetic features.
• Rare microbes can act as overlooked keystone species.

Conclusions:

• Rare microbes are critical regulators of host-associated, terrestrial, and aquatic environments.
• Further research is needed to investigate the rare microbial biosphere.
• Recommendations are provided for future research in this emerging field.