Loss of Microbiome Ecological Niches and Diversity by Global Change and Trophic Downgrading

Abstract

Microbiome is ubiquitous, and it plays a major role in global ecosystem functioning from cloud formation to plant and animal fitness. Microbiome drives several vital functions in the atmosphere, phyllosphere, rhizosphere, human, and animal habitats. However, in response to the anthropogenic activities such as land use and climate changes, these habitats are subject to tremendous alterations in their biophysical structure and physicochemistry, thus leading to dismantling of above- and below-ground multitrophic interactions, and biodiversity loss. The consequences of these adverse phenomena could potentially lead to the loss of microbiome ecological niches, diversity, functional traits, and vital functions. Moreover, invasion by micro-pollutants (e.g., antibiotics) may lead to the evolution of antibiotic resistance bacterial pathogens, could limit the potential of microbiome diversity to check the survival and persistence of pathogens. Simply by putting, all these consequences could potentially disturb the services provided by the global ecosystem. Meanwhile, predicting the consequences of loss of above- and below-ground microbial ecological niches, and developing conservation strategies are perquisite to address the menace of climate and land use changes.