Mount Everest is the world’s highest peak and a challenging place for both humans and microbes. Recently, researchers have taken an interest in exploring the microbial communities that inhabit the inhospitable slopes of the mountain. In this essay, we will discuss the key details of their findings, the species observed, why the mountain is inhospitable, and the carriers that bring the microbes to this environment.
Microbial Communities on South Col
The researchers collected microbial communities in sediment samples left by human climbers on the South Col of Mount Everest, 7,900 meters above sea level (msl). The South Col is a ridge that separates Mount Everest from Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain on Earth. The two peaks are only three kilometers apart. Surprisingly, the researchers found a cosmopolitan human signature in the microbes collected here.
Species Observed
Among the species observed, researchers found a few species of moss and a jumping spider that feeds on frozen insects carried by the wind. The researchers also found two species that are known to be UV-resistant survivors: Modestobacter altitudinis and the fungus naganishia.
Why is Mount Everest Inhospitable?
Mount Everest is inhospitable due to various factors that make it challenging for humans and microbes to survive. One of the primary challenges is the low oxygen levels at 7.8% compared to 20.9% at sea level. Additionally, strong winds and temperatures that usually dip below minus 15 degrees Celsius add to the inhospitable conditions. Finally, high levels of UV radiation make survival challenging for both humans and microbes.
The Carriers: Winds and Humans
Microbes arrive at Mount Everest through various carriers, including birds, animals, or winds. The winds that carry the microbes are not only local but also from distant places like the Sahara Desert. Dust particles less than 20 micrometers in diameter are blown in by the winds, carrying microflora from different regions, making for a wide range of microflora found at these altitudes. Above 7,000 msl, it is mostly winds and humans that act as carriers for microbes.
Important Points:
- Microbial communities were found on South Col of Mount Everest, 7,900 meters above sea level. 🏔️🔬
- Inhospitable factors on Mount Everest include low oxygen levels, strong winds, low temperatures, and high levels of UV radiation. 🌡️💨☀️
- Microbes arrive at Mount Everest through carriers like birds, animals, and winds, with winds and humans being the primary carriers above 7,000 meters above sea level. 🐦🦌💨🚶♂️
- Two species of UV-resistant survivors, Modestobacter altitudinis, and the fungus naganishia were observed. 🌱🔬
- Research in this area opens up possibilities for further exploration of the microbial diversity of challenging environments. 👩🔬👨🔬🌍
Why In News
Exploring the Microbial Diversity of Mount Everest’s Inhospitable Slopes: UV-Resistant Survivors and Human Signature Species Found. Researchers recently examined the microbiota present on the challenging environment of Mount Everest’s South Col, revealing a wide range of microbial diversity and the presence of UV-resistant survivors alongside species likely introduced by human activity.
MCQs about Mount Everest’s Microbial Diversity
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What factors make Mount Everest’s slopes inhospitable for microbial life?
A. Low oxygen levels and strong winds
B. High oxygen levels and low temperatures
C. High temperatures and low levels of UV radiation
D. Low levels of wind and high humidity
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How do microbes arrive at Mount Everest?
A. By being carried by winds and dust particles
B. Through human activity only
C. Through animal activity only
D. By being carried by birds and bees
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Which species of UV-resistant survivors were observed on Mount Everest’s slopes?
A. Modestobacter altitudinis and the fungus naganishia
B. E. coli and the fungus penicillium
C. Salmonella enterica and the fungus aspergillus
D. Bacillus cereus and the fungus rhizopus
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What are the potential implications of research on Mount Everest’s microbial diversity?
A. Developing new methods for exploring other challenging environments
B. Developing technologies for energy production
C. Developing treatments for altitude sickness
D. Understanding the impact of climate change on microbial life
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