Answer to Question #122232 in Microbiology for Debosmita

Question

There are many examples of communities of microorganisms living
within more advanced multicellular organisms. Why do you think that this is such a
common theme in nature?

Answer 1

All groups of living organisms share several key characteristics or functions: order, sensitivity or response to stimuli, reproduction, adaptation, growth and development, regulation, homeostasis, and energy processing. When viewed together, these eight characteristics serve to define life.

multicellular microorganisms have an advantage in nature microorganisms in the wild need to cope with, for example, nutrient starvation, temperature changes and a lack of moisture, and should be able to survive for extended periods without reproduction.