Title: Invisible invaders: non-pathogenic invasive microbes in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
Abstract: Although the number of studies on invasive plants
and animals has risen exponentially, little is known about invasive microbes,
especially non-pathogenic ones. Microbial invasions by viruses, bacteria, fungi
and protists occur worldwide but are much harder to detect than invasions by
macroorganisms. Invasive microbes have the potential to significantly alter
community structure and ecosystem functioning in diverse terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems. Consequently, increased attention is needed on non-pathogenic
invasive microbes, both free-living and symbiotic, and their impacts on
communities and ecosystems. Major unknowns include the characteristics that make
microbes invasive and properties of the resident communities and the environment
that facilitate invasions. A comparison of microbial invasions with invasions of
macroorganisms should provide valuable insights into general principles that
apply to invasions across all domains of life and to taxon-specific invasion
patterns. Invasive microbes appear to possess traits thought to be common in
many invasive macroorganisms: high growth rate and resource utilization
efficiency, and superior competitive abilities. Invading microorganisms are
often similar to native species, but with enhanced performance traits, and tend
to spread in lower diversity communities. Global change can exacerbate microbial
invasions; therefore, they will likely increase in the future. [Litchman E.
(2010).Invisible invaders: non-pathogenic invasive microbes in aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystems Ecology Letters, 13(12),1560-1572. doi:
10.1111/j.1461-0248.2010.01544.x. Epub 2010 Nov 5.]