The idea that the environment can directly influence the behavior and characteristics of organisms is well-founded, but a recent study suggests that it may play an even bigger role than previously thought. Researchers have found that altering environmental conditions can cause a species of bacteria to prey less aggressively on its counterparts. This discovery raises new questions about how we understand and predict the ecological dynamics of microbial communities, and how external factors can shape their behavior. As we continue to uncover the interconnectedness of the natural world, it becomes increasingly clear that there is still much we don’t know.

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source: Phys.org