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News Release 16-052

Researchers find that Earth may be home to 1 trillion species

Largest analysis of microbial data reveals that 99.999 percent of all species remain undiscovered

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Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone

Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone; such hot pools often bubble with undiscovered microbes.

Credit: NPS


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microbes forming a mat at Octopus Geyser in Yellowstone.

Heat-loving microbes form extensive mats at Octopus Geyser in Yellowstone.

Credit: USGS


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vegetation under water

The oceans' surface waters harbor vast numbers of life-sustaining microbes.

Credit: DOE


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microscopic view of bacteria

Bacteria, like these from a freshwater lake, are the most abundant organisms on the planet.

Credit: Mario Muscarella


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microbes in a substance in a petri dish

Soil is one of Earth's largest reservoirs of microbial diversity.

Credit: Jay Lennon


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man and woman with hiking gear in a forest

Data collected by field biologists were used to understand patterns of microbial biodiversity.

Credit: Mario Muscarella


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