It seems that in most extreme environments, archaea tend to dominate over bacteria. This is not always the case, and I am looking for the reasons behind such differences.
I am trying to compile a general list of extreme environments where bacteria dominate instead of archaea, and reasons behind this.
Thanks for the reply Jay. But extreme conditions aren't necessarily dominated by archaea at all times.
What I am looking for if it is possible to predict, estimate, or justify, which group will be dominant according to specific environmental conditions.
It seems that in most extreme environments, archaea tend to dominate over bacteria. This is not always the case, and I am looking for the reasons behind such differences.
Hi André! One reference springs to mind; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17334387
In extreme environments as well as non-extreme, it is most common for Bacteria to have higher cell counts than Archaea. Two exceptions to this spring to mind, the first are the sediments of the Ocean floor and the second are highly saline environments (http://www.aquaticbiosystems.org/content/4/1/2). For saline environments (my field of study), the salt gradient determines which domain of life (Eukarya, Bacteria, Archaea) dominates. Eukarya dominate in lower salinities, Bacteria in the middle, and Archaea at the high end (up to saturation).
Very interesting question, Andre!
You must consider the fact, that the speed of evolution for Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya is quite different. The slowest rate is for Archaea. And the answer is again hidden in their extreme habitat - for example take one thermophilic organism- it must keep the genetic determinants of its adaptation as long as it is needed. Therefore, this genetic potential will be intact, if this organism still inhabits the same hot spot.
P.S, And maybe the reason is hidden in their unique membrane structure...
In highly saline, hiperthermophilic, extremely acidic environments and methanogenic sediments can be dominated by Archaea
In extreme conditions, Archea dominant, but not the relatively normal conditions such as temperature, salinity, acidity or humidity. I believe that they are less competitive compared to Eubacteria or true bacteria and retreat to more extreme habitats where finds its ecological niche.
André,I just saw the following article in MBio that might be of interest to you:
Status of the Archaeal and Bacterial Census: an Update: http://mbio.asm.org/content/7/3/e00201-16.full.pdf+html
http://mbio.asm.org/content/7/3/e00201-16.full.pdf+html
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