Response of microbial populations to environmental disturbance - PubMed (original) (raw)
Response of microbial populations to environmental disturbance
R M Atlas et al. Microb Ecol. 1991 Dec.
Abstract
Taxonomic and genetic diversities of microbial communities disturbed by chemical pollutants were lower than in undisturbed reference communities. The dominant populations within the disturbed communities had enhanced physiological tolerances and substrate utilization capabilities, indicating that generalized physiological versatility is an adaptive characteristic of populations that successfully compete within disturbed communities.