Microbial Experimental Systems in Ecology

The use of microbial experimental systems has traditionally been limited in ecology. However, there has recently been a dramatic increase in the number of studies that use microbial experimental systems to address ecological questions. In this chapter, we discuss the strengths, limitations, and criticisms of microbial experimental systems in ecology. We highlight a number of recent studies in which microbial experimental systems have been used to address one of the primary goals in ecology-identifying and understanding the causes and consequences of life's diversity. Finally, we outline what we consider to be the characteristics of an ideal model system for advancing ecological understanding, and discuss several microbial systems we feel fit this description.