Microbial Diversity: Exploring the Unexplored

The most useful definition of biodiversity is that given by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; biodiversity encompasses all life forms, ecosystems and ecological processes and acknowledges the hierarchy at genetic, taxon and ecosystem levels. Microbial diversity on the other hand includes the diversity of bacteria, protozoans, fungi, unicellular algae and constitutes the most extraordinary reservoir of life in the biosphere, and one which we have only begun to explore.