If microbes did not exist, ALL life on Earth (as we know it) would cease to exist! Microbes drive the biogeochemical cycles, which transfer essential elements between the biosphere (life), the atmosphere (air), the hydrosphere (water), and Earth's crust (the geosphere). Elements essential for all life on Earth include carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosporous, and sulfur, which is abbreviated CHNOPS, but most life also requires trace amounts of many metals, such as iron (Fe). Most of these elements are tied up in compounds that plants and animals cannot use. Microbes keep plants and animals alive because they break down the 'unavailable' forms of these elements and transform them into 'bioavailable' compounds that can be used by plants which then can be eating and used by animals. We rely on microbes every single day, as does all of Earth's current processes, which is why I wanted to make this video to emphasize the importance of microbes on Earth. I hope you gain a newfound sense of appreciation for microbes after watching this! ;)

References: Geomicrobiology: https://amzn.to/2WAloTR
Brock Biology of Microorganisms: https://amzn.to/3kQqIuD
Environmental Microbiology: https://amzn.to/44sXXcN
Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change https://amzn.to/46O3In0

GEO GIRL Website: https://www.geogirlscience.com/ (visit my website to see all my courses, shop merch, learn more about me, & donate to support the channel if you'd like!)

0:00 Video Outline
3:08 Why microbes are so important!
4:13 What are biogeochemical cycles?
7:28 What is metabolism?
8:29 Types of microbial metabolisms
11:32 How Microbes Drive the C Cycle
13:39 How Microbes Drive the N Cycle
15:09 How Microbes Drive the S Cycle
17:36 How Microbes Drive the P Cycle
21:15 How Microbes Drive the Fe & Mn Cycles
24:30 Organic Matter Degradation
25:13 Secondary Metabolite Applications

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Nontextbook books I recommend:
Oxygen by D. Canfield: https://amzn.to/3gffbCL
Brief history of Earth by A. Knoll: https://amzn.to/3w3hC1I
Life on young planet by A. Knoll: https://amzn.to/2RBMpny
Some assembly required by N. Shubin: https://amzn.to/3w1Ezm2
Your inner fish by N. Shubin: https://amzn.to/3cpw3Wb
Oxygen by N. Lane: https://amzn.to/3z4FgwZ
Alien Oceans by K. Hand: https://amzn.to/3clMx1l
Life's Engines: https://amzn.to/3w1Nhke

Tools I use as a geologist/teacher/student:
Geology field notebook: https://amzn.to/3lb6dJf
Geology rock hammer: https://amzn.to/3DZw8MA
Geological compass: https://amzn.to/3hfbdLu
Geological hand lens: https://amzn.to/3jXysM5
Camera: https://amzn.to/3l6fGRT
Carbonneutral pencil bag: https://shrsl.com/3cvjv
Carbonneutral backpack: https://shrsl.com/3cvkc

Disclaimer: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission, but there is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week! And as always, let me know your topic suggestions in the comments down below!