engleski

Diversity and ecological approach of bacterial mats/biofilms in Dinaric range caves

Bacterial mats/biofilms from three caves in Dinaric range were assessed with regard to bacterial diversity and community structure using a 16S rDNA-based phylogenetic approach combined with phylogenetic analysis of universally conserved genes/proteins. Bacterial diversity, in “anthozoan tentacles-like” and “hair-like tendrils” biofilms, was high with predominance of Proteobacteria more specifically Delta- and Gammaproteobacteria. The recovered protein sequences from bacterial phylotypes, generally acknowledged results obtained with 16S rRNA results on the class/division level. In addition, the presence of Nitrospirae was revealed in all analyzed localities. An overview of fauna associated with bacterial biolfilms was implemented with a special emphasis on ecological concepts and their connection to microbial ecosystems as a nutrition resource. Complex interspecies interactions should be consider among the cave-dwelling animal taxa and microbial (bacterial, archaeal, fungal and protists) communities in the mats/biofilm. The cave ecosystems susceptibility is outcome of their inhabitants’ adaptation to constant conditions in the natural environment. Thus, the acceptance of idea that interspecies interactions in extreme ecosystems, among the members of the three domains of life, incline to the mutual influences achievement rather than to competition, could elucidate many new aspects in evolution of animal taxa, adjacent to the their energy suppliers in microbial communities and biofilms.

Dinarides; bacterial communities; 16S rRNA genes; subterranean habitats; ecology

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