This book offers the first comprehensive, in-depth treatment of microbial diversity for undergraduate and graduate students. Using a global approach, Microbial Diversity illustrates the impact of microorganisms on ecological and Earth system phenomena. * Accompanied by a devoted website with resources for both instructors and students:www.blackwellpublishing.com/ogunseitan. Uses key ecological and global phenomena to show the continuity of microbial contribution. * Illustrates the importance of microbial diversity for the understanding of global physiochemical and biological processes. * Presents analyses of microscopic, culture, molecular, and phylogenetic systematic methods. * Shows the relevance of microbial diversity to global environmental problems, such as climate change and ozone depletion. * Features numerous illustrations, including over 60 4-color photographs of microbes.