Ecology across scales: Linking microbial diversity, biodiversity history and social ecological determinants of health

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Introduction

Description

Microorganisms are the unseen architects of ecosystem function. Bacteria, fungi and archaea drive nutrient cycling, decompose organic matter and facilitate plant growth through symbiotic associations. Arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal fungi, for example, enhance nutrient and water uptake in plants, improving productivity and resilience under stress conditions such as drought or nutrient limitation (Stokols D 1996). Soil microbial diversity also influences carbon storage, greenhouse gas fluxes and soil structure, playing a critical role in regulating climate and sustaining ecosystem services. Recent studies indicate that microbial diversity is not uniform but structured by environmental gradients, plant communities and land-use history. Functional diversity among microbes ensures redundancy and resilience, allowing ecosystems to maintain critical processes under disturbances such as land degradation, pollution, or climate extremes.

The influence of microbial ecology extends beyond ecosystem function to human health. Soil microbes contribute to the regulation of pathogen populations, production of bioactive compounds and modulation of the human microbiome through environmental exposure. Urban green spaces, community gardens and natural landscapes provide microbial reservoirs that can enhance immune system development, reduce allergy prevalence and promote overall health (Reckrey JM, et al. 2020). Thus, microbial diversity represents a critical link between environmental integrity and public health, underscoring the need to maintain soil and habitat quality within both natural and managed landscapes. Historical patterns of biodiversity—shaped by evolutionary processes such as speciation, extinction and dispersal—inform present-day ecosystem composition and function. Phylogenetic diversity influences species interactions, trophic structure and ecosystem stability. For instance, ecosystems with long evolutionary histories of coexistence often exhibit complementary resource use and increased resistance to invasive species or environmental stress. Understanding biodiversity history provides insights into ecosystem resilience (Benton MJ 2010). Areas with rich evolutionary legacies often host species with specialized traits that buffer against environmental fluctuations, while regions with low historical diversity may be more vulnerable to disturbances and climate change impacts.

Human health is intricately linked to the functioning of ecosystems. Social ecological determinants—including housing, access to green space, education and socio-economic conditions—shape exposure to ecosystem services and environmental stressors. For example, urban residents with limited access to natural environments may experience increased heat stress, air pollution exposure and reduced opportunities for physical activity, all of which contribute to chronic disease risk. Conversely, ecosystems that provide clean water, nutritious food and spaces for recreation directly improve health outcomes (Raup DM 1986)). Nature-based interventions, such as urban greening, wetland restoration and reforestation, can simultaneously enhance ecosystem resilience and mitigate health disparities. Social systems influence ecological outcomes through land-use decisions, pollution, resource management and conservation policies. Poorly managed landscapes may degrade soil microbial communities, reduce biodiversity and impair ecosystem services, which in turn negatively affects human health. Effective governance, community engagement and equitable resource distribution are therefore critical for sustaining ecosystem function and promoting public health.

Conclusion

Acknowledgement

Conflict of Interest

References

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