Cave Ecosystems: Microbiological View

Year 2017, Volume: 76 Issue: 1, 36 - 42, 27.12.2017

Begum Candiroglu Nihal Dogruoz Gungor

https://doi.org/10.5152/EurJBiol.2017.1707

Abstract

The
mysterious passages known as caves between the earth and the underworld are
important geological forms that can be investigated for several astonishing
facts. The caves that we define as cavities or gaps into which a person can
enter are usually visited by people for several different purposes. Caves are
important for studies on environments in terms of biology and geology due to
their extreme conditions. In Turkey, there are about 35.000-40.000 caves, most
of which have not been mapped or scientifically explored. The mechanisms by
which living creatures survive in these cave environments, adapt to the extreme
conditions, and develop for survival have been the topics of research.
Microorganisms and physical factors are responsible for the occurrence and
formation of different geological forms such as stalactites, stalagmites, and
cave pearls in these extreme environments. This fact makes the caves more
interesting in terms of their microbiology. Studies on cave microbiology have
been aimed at exploring the functions of these microorganisms and new ones unique
to the cave habitats. On the other hand, these environment-specific
microorganisms carry a great potential to possess new and different enzymes or
antimicrobial substances. The discovery of new features and new microorganisms
is also important as it adds new information to the science of systematics. The
topics on caves and their microbiology, which have been studied by few
researchers throughout the world, are less commonly studied in Turkey. The
protection of the cave environment while people enter into them for touristic,
sports, and scientific causes is of historical and scientific importance. In
this context, the protection of caves is an issue that requires caution in
obtaining both correct and new results from the environment and the study of caves.
Cave sportsmen, researchers, and related authorities must adhere to the rules
to protect the unique habitat of each cave and prevent earth-borne pollution
from entering into the cave.

Keywords

Cave ecosystems, microbiology, karst

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