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Microbial Diversity

Meaning

Microbial Diversity describes the richness and evenness of the different species of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, residing within a specific ecosystem, most notably the human gastrointestinal tract. High diversity is generally correlated with greater functional redundancy and resilience within the microbiome, which is crucial for nutrient metabolism and immune system maturation. A reduction in this complexity, or dysbiosis, is frequently associated with systemic inflammation and endocrine disruption.