Question

Describe ecological concepts as they apply to the human microbiome and how they frame comparisons between samples, groups of samples etc. How would you use these concepts to design the next set of studies following the infant microbiome. I expect you to do some legwork beyond your readings to comprehensively answer this question

Answer 1

The ecological concepts mainly derived from studies on plant and animal communities may help us understand the structure and function of the human microbiome.

In ecological concepts, a large community with its major vegetation type and related fauna, which is found in a specific climatic region, is called as Biome.

Similarly, Humane body inhabited by billions of microbial cells effecting the humane health is called as humane microbiome. This microbiome with its relation to humane body and environment play critical roles in human health also.

Likewise in ecological concept, Human-associated microbial communities are diverse, and the structure of these communities is variable across body habitats, through time, and between individuals. In this way, we can apply concepts developed for ecology to better understand and predict the patterns of these communities.

As we all know Humans host a large number of microorganisms, both on and in our bodies. The humans of different environment may have the different types of microbes. Types of human microbiota include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protest and archae. Humane beings exchanges microbes directly and indirectly with friends, family members, friends, strangers, and any environment with which they come in contact with. In the process many microbes are acquired, exchanged and shed.