Question

You isolated a new species of bacteria from your backyard and want to gain insight into its fundamental vs. realized niche. What would you do? You have access to any and all resource/technology/method.

Answer 1

First, I will use the gram staining method.  A method of differentiating bacterial species into two large groups (Gram-positive and Gram-negative). The Gram stain characterizes bacteria based on the structural characteristics of their cell walls. By combining morphology and Gram-staining, most bacteria can be classified as belonging to one of 4 groups (Gram-positive cocci, Gram-positive bacilli, Gram-negative cocci, and Gram-negative bacilli). By combining different indicators and compounds into the same agar media formulation, the media can be both selective and differential.

Different tests - Starch hydrolysis, Protein hydrolysis, fermentation of carbohydrates, indole, and hydrogen sulfide production, catalase activity will be tested to gain insight about the bacteria. Comparing the result of the test with classification chart we can get to know that, which category and class our bacteria belongs.