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Global Biodiversity pp 47–54Cite as

Microorganisms

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Abstract

This section provides an overview of the phylogenetically extremely diverse groups collectively regarded as ‘microorganisms’. This term is misleading as by no means all are microscopic. The definition accepted here is: organisms which either belong to phyla many members of which cannot be seen by the unaided eye, or where microscopic examination, and in many cases growth in pure culture, is essential for identification (Hawksworth, 1992). Some of the themes touched on here with specific reference to microorganisms are developed from a broader perspective elsewhere in the report (Chapter 4). The glossary should be consulted for definitions of certain terms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Mycological Institute, UK

    D. L. Hawksworth (Professor)

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  1. D. L. Hawksworth
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Brian Groombridge

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© 1992 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Hawksworth, D.L. (1992). Microorganisms. In: Groombridge, B. (eds) Global Biodiversity. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-2282-5_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-2282-5_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-5012-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-2282-5

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