What happens to the diversity of microbial populations when toxins are present?

The presence of toxins in an environment typically leads to a decrease in the diversity of microbial populations. Toxins can create stressful conditions that favor certain microbial species that are more resistant or resilient to these harmful substances. As a result, these resilient species can dominate, while more sensitive species are suppressed or eliminated. This selective pressure reduces the overall diversity within the microbial community.

In contrast, in toxin-free environments, a broader range of species can coexist and thrive, contributing to a more diverse microbial ecosystem. The decrease in diversity caused by toxins can adversely affect ecosystem functions, resilience to environmental changes, and overall microbial health.