Intestinal Microorganisms of Termites and Other Invertebrates [Hardcover]

This is the first work to focus on microbes in gut systems of soil animals. Beginning with an overview of the biology of soil invertebrates, the text turns to the gut microbiota of termites, which are important soil processors in tropical and subtropical regions. Coverage extends to intestinal microbiota of such other litter decomposers as earthworms, springtails, millipedes, and woodlice. Thoroughly illustrated, including color photographs.

Soil microorganisms play a major role in the degradation and recycling of organic material. Microbes are involved in the food web and strongly contribute to soil fertility. In the past, attention was mainly directed towards free-living or particle-bound microorganisms, while the role of intestinal microbes of soil animals has been neglected.

For the first time, Intestinal Microorganisms of Termites and Other Invertebrates focuses on the microbes in gut systems of soil animals. It starts with a profound overview of the biology of soil invertebrates. A major part deals with the gut microbiota of termites, the best investigated gut system of invertebrates. Termites are important soil processors in tropical and subtropical regions. Insight is given into the intestinal microbiota of further relevant primary litter decomposers, such as earthworms, springtails, millipeds, and woodlice. Novel techniques for studying intestinal microbes complete the volume.

Soil Invertebrates.- Biology of Soil Invertebrates.- Interactions Between Bacteria and Nematodes.- Earthworm Gut Microbial Biomes: Their Importance to Soil Microorganisms, Denitrification, and the Terrestrial Production of the Greenhouse Gas N2O.- Intestinal Microbiota of Millipedes.- Intestinal Microbiota of Terrestrial Isopods.- Collembola as a Habitat for Microorganisms.- Methane Production by Terrestrial Arthropods.- Termites as Model Organisms.- Termites as Soil Engineers and Soil Processors.- Cellulose Digestion in the Terml3"