This collection of essays discusses fascinating aspects of the concept that microbes are at the root of all ecosystems. The content is divided into seven parts, the first of those emphasizes that microbes not only were the starting point, but sustain the rest of the biosphere and shows how life evolves through a perpetual struggle for habitats and niches. Part II explains the ways in which microbial life persists in some of the most extreme environments, while Part III presents our understanding of the core aspects of microbial metabolism. Part IV examines the duality of the microbial world, acknowledging that life exists as a balance between certain processes that we perceive as being environmentally supportive and others that seem environmentally destructive. In turn, Part V discusses basic aspects of microbial symbioses, including interactions with other microorganisms, plants and animals. The concept of microbial symbiosis as a driving force in evolution is covered in Part VI. In closing, Part VII explores the adventure of microbiological research, including some reminiscences from and perspectives on the lives and careers of microbe hunters.

Given its mixture of science and philosophy, the book will appeal to scientists and advanced students of microbiology, evolution and ecology alike.

Part I. Recognizing the Role of Microorganisms in our World

Our Living World Rests upon a Foundation of Microorganisms: The Constant Struggle for Habitat and Niche
Darwin's Science's Impact on the Evolution of the Microbiological Sciences
Microbes and Marine Sediments: A Lifelong Relationship on Earth's Biosphere
The Democracy of Dirt: Relating Micro-Scale Dynamics to Macro-Scale Ecosystem Function
Part II. Microbial Life Persists Within Even the Most Extreme Environments
The Concept of Evanescent Microbial Ecosystems in Earth's Atmosphere
When the Vital Signs of Microbial Life Go Cold, Does That Mean the Pulse Is Gone? Microbial Life Persists at the Limits of Cryoenvironments on Earth
Lithotrophic ("Stone Eating") Microbes Provide the Foundation for Deep Subsurface Ecosystems
Part III. Understanding the Core Values of Microbial Metabolism,- Miraculous Fixation of Molecular Nitrogen from the Atmosphere
Mutagens, Radicals, Rocket Fuel and Laughing Gas: Stringing Metabolic Modules to Survive on Nitrogenous Poisons
The Grand Microbial Variety Show
Part IV. Microbes Established and Sustain Life
Microbes' Many Roles in Climate Change: Contribution, Consequence, Mitigation, and Model System
The Revolutionary Potential of the Hidden Half of Nature in Agriculture and Medicine
Microscale Carbon Cycling Between Bacteria and Algae under the Sun
Part V. The Basic Aspects of Microbial Symbioses
Discovering the Symbiotic Nature of Microbial Life: Summarizing Milestone Publications from 1866 through 1947
Microscopic World and the Phenomenon of Symbiosis in the Natural Environment
Symbiosis in a Rapidly Changing World
Diversity-Function Relationships and the Underlying Ecological Mechanisms in Host-Associated Microbial Communities
Darwinian Medicine: We Evolved to Require Continuing Contact with the Microbiota of the Natural Environment. Evolution Turns the Inevitable into a Necessity
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Enzyme ACC Deaminase
The Diazotroph as an Endophyte and How a Diazotroph Interacts with Its Plant Host
The Hologenome Hypothesis and Its Application to Plant-Microbe Interactions on an Evolutionary Scale
Beneficial Role of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria in Bioremediation of Heavy Metal(loid) Contaminated Agricultural Fields
Defensive Microbiomes: A Widespread Phenomenon in Nature
Coevolution of Molluscs and Their Microbes
Invisible Interactions between Microorganisms
Part VI. Microbial Symbiosis as a Driving Force in Evolution
The Game of Evolution Is Won by Competitive Cheating
The Importance of Being Symbiont and the Role of Symbiosis as a Driving Force in Evolution
Viruses, Underestimated Drivers of Ecology and Evolution of Life
Coevolution of Bryophytes and their Associated Microorganisms
Part VII. The Adventure of Microbiology Research.- BUBBLES in the MUD: A Reminiscence and Perspective
Salty, Alkali-LacedTales (Mostly True) from the Great Basin Desert, California and Nevada.