Because most natural environments harbor a stunningly diverse collection of microbial species. Within these communities, bacteria compete with their neighbors for space and resources. Laboratory experiments with pure and mixed cultures have revealed many active mechanisms by which bacteria can impair or kill other microbes. Additionally, a growing body of theoretical and experimental population studies indicate that the interactions within and between bacterial species can profoundly impact the outcome of competition in nature. The next challenge is to integrate the findings of these laboratory and theoretical studies, and to evaluate the predictions they generate in more natural settings.
Con·cen·tra·tion /ˌkänsənˈtrāSH(ə)n/ Learn to pronounce noun 1. the action or power of focusing one's attention or mental effort. "frowning in concentration"
