Small organisms play a big role

Oddur Þór Vilhelmsson, Professor in the Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Akureyri, was among the organisers of the 20th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology, recently held in New Zealand.

Every living organism thrives in close association with others, and the crucial role played by the smallest organisms—microorganisms—in the health and functioning of larger organisms, and indeed entire ecosystems, is becoming increasingly clear.

Without microorganisms, life on Earth would quickly cease to exist. Microorganisms drive essential biogeochemical cycles, break down organic matter and form close relationships with numerous other organisms. The field that studies microorganisms and their roles in the Earth’s ecosystems is known as microbial ecology.

The diverse roles of microorganisms

The conference attracted more than 1,900 experts from around the world, who presented the latest research and discussed the diverse roles of microorganisms in the Earth’s biogeochemical cycles and ecosystems.

Oddur was among the conference organisers and together with Nicole Dubilier, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, he chaired a session on symbiotic relationships between microorganisms and other organisms.

One in a million can make a difference

Oddur also gave a presentation on the microbial communities of meadowfoam, demonstrating that even microorganisms present in extremely small numbers can have a significant impact on the ecosystem.

One example was the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Although the bacterium accounts for only around one in a million of the bacteria living on meadowfoam, it can nevertheless have a substantial impact on plant and ecosystem health.

Oddur’s presentation was based in part on the doctoral research of Natalia Ramírez, conducted at the Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Akureyri. The research serves as a reminder that, in nature, the importance of an organism is not necessarily determined by its size or abundance. Sometimes, the smallest and rarest inhabitants of an ecosystem can have an impact far greater than their numbers might suggest.