MICROBES AS A CHALLENGE TO CONCEPTS OF MARINE ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS

As theory of science is subject to conflicting ideas, the role of micr obiology in marine ecosystem analysis is viewed from extremely differe nt positions. Combined descriptive and experimental approaches have el ucidated key functions of microorganisms that challenge the traditiona l, macro-organism-dominated concepts in ecosystem ecology. This point is illustrated, in particular, by examples of microbe-mediated pathway s in the benthic-pelagic coupling of energy flow and carbon cycling. I n this context, the role of bacterial biofilms and benthic macrofauna as well as their interaction in marine sediment biogeochemistry is emp hasized.