Microbial Diversity in Caves

Abstract

Relatively stable physical conditions in caves allow for the examination of the relationship between geochemical processes and the activity of microorganisms, reflected in substantial rock alterations, formation of new structures, surface deterioration and cave expansion. Although caves are considered as extreme environments, they are inhabited by microbial communities with unexpected diversity. While Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria are the most ubiquitous groups, also the presence of Archaea has been frequently noted recently. Here, we present a summary of results on diversity of cave microorganisms in the context of taxon distribution as well as the contribution and role of individual taxa in cave ecosystems.

Keywords:

• biodiversity
• biofilm
• caves

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge prof. J. Bardowski for critical reading of the manuscript.

Funding

This article was supported by strategic research project No. SP/J/3/143045/11 from The National Center for Research and Development (NCBiR), Poland over the period 2011–2014.