Tracking endolithic microbiomes to support the sustainability and functioning of global drylands
Author(s)
Date Issued
September 14, 2023
Type
article
Volume
3
Issue
1
ISSN
2767-035X
2767-035X
Abstract
Drylands cover almost half of the planet and support >25% the global population. In this
era of global warming, they are expected to continue expanding by the end of the
century as a consequence of predicted increases in aridity, which will affect multiple
global locations that are already characterised by extreme temperatures, low and
variable rainfall, and low soil fertility. In these fragile ecosystems, where microorganisms
are integral to maintain functioning and primary productivity, endoliths (i.e., rock‐
inhabiting microorganisms) play a key role in soil formation and dynamics and are and
critical drivers of ecological succession. Here, we posit that endolithic microbes could
also function as early alarm warning indicators for environmental changes in the most
arid ecosystems. Nevertheless, studies on endoliths are still rather fragmentary and
mainly focused in a few specific dry areas such as the Antarctic or Atacama deserts. A
global appraisal of the structure and function of the endolithic microbiome is needed for
the assessment of the current state of dryland biodiversity worldwide, and to identify
the regions that are more vulnerable to global changes. Such an effort will provide new
knowledge and will implement official and international initiatives to track and conserve
biodiversity on global drylands.
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