Microbes can bombard their hosts with genes, effectively modifying the genetic makeup and evolution of the species they inhabit. The Human Impact
Microbes are not passive passengers; they are active builders and defenders:
Some deep-sea creatures without mouths or guts rely entirely on microbes for energy.
They "sculpt" our organs and guide physical development from birth.
Rather than acting as a brute defense against intruders, the immune system is described as an instrument for managing microbial co-existence. Resident microbes "educate" the immune system, helping it distinguish between friend and foe.
Bacteria help us digest food, break down toxins, and even influence our behavior and moods by interacting with our nervous system. A Grander View of Life
Yong broadens the scope beyond human health to show how these partnerships define the natural world: