FBI Part 2: Bacteria

Next on our FBI list is Bacteria!

First, a quick recap from yesterday. If you missed it you can see it here: http://www.soundviewcamp.com/nature-blog/2020/3/18/fbi-part-1

Decomposers are organisms that break down organic material and turn it into nutrients for others to use. Most decomposers are members of the FBI: Fungus, Bacteria and Invertebrates. Yesterday we learned that our first decomposer, fungi, are different than plants because they cannot make their own food. Also thanks to Simon T. for this great fungus pun: “What did the little brother say to his big bro Augustus “It’s time for fun, Gus!”

When we hear of bacteria, often our first though is of the ones that make us sick. However only a small amount of the total bacteria in the world is bad for us. We have over 500 types of good bacteria in our gut, helping us digest the food we eat. Most are extremely important in making sure ecosystems keep running. In fact, one type of bacteria, called Prochlorococcus, is responsible for about 70% of the oxygen available to us. So take a deep breath and thank the good bacteria for all that it does for us.

Go to your kitchen and find a teaspoon. If you were to fill the teaspoon with soil from the forest, there would be over 100 million bacteria in there. In general, soil bacteria fall into 4 categories based on what they do.

The first and largest group are the decomposers. These are the bacteria that break down waste from plants and animals, turning it into nutrients plants can use. Some of these bacteria can also help get rid of pollution in the soil. Other bacteria exist on the roots of plants, helping turn nitrogen into a form that plants can use. Thirdly, some bacteria get their energy from other chemicals that may exist in the soil. These bacteria can break down minerals that plants need as well as help get rid of pollution. The final group of bacteria are the ones that cause diseases in plants. Even though there are bacteria that make plants sick, there are far more that plants rely on in order to survive.