The microorganisms define the biosphere

Microorganisms are ubiquitous on Earth, although they are not always visible to the naked eye, which can make them difficult for children to perceive. They are part of the biosphere, which includes all living and non-living ecosystems on the planet, from soils and waters to minerals and sunlit surfaces. Through a microscope, a vast microscopic world is revealed, composed of bacteria, archaea, viruses, microscopic fungi and protists, some of which have existed for more than 3.5 billion years. These organisms are incredibly diverse and have evolved to perform complex biochemical functions, adapting to environments ranging from the commonplace to the extremely hostile.

Microorganisms are primary agents of change in the biosphere, influencing its structure and functioning through biochemical interactions with other organisms and the environment. Exploring their habitats and ecological functions is essential to understanding how they sustain life on Earth. In addition, these microbes play a crucial role in microbiology, microbial diversity, and sustainability issues such as biodiversity, climate change, circular economy, food security, environmental pollution, human health, and global pandemic management.