The nineteenth century roots of 'everything is everywhere'

• Published in: Nature reviews. Microbiology 2007-08, Vol.5 (8), p.647-651
• Main Author: O'Malley, Maureen A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Beijerinck, M.W; Biodiversity; Biogeography; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Ecosystem; Geography; History; History, 18th Century; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Infectious Diseases; Life Sciences; Medical Microbiology; Microbiology; Microbiology - history; Parasitology; timeline; Virology
• ISSN: 1740-1526; 1740-1534
• DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro1711

This Timeline examines the legacy of nineteenth-century microbiology in relation to plant and animal biogeography of the time. The particular focus is Beijerinck's experimental and theoretical work, and what it implies for twentieth century studies of microbial biodiversity and biogeography. The identification of geographical patterns in microbial distributions has begun to challenge purely ecological explanations of biogeography and the underlying principle of “ everything is everywhere : but the environment selects ”. How did 'everything is everywhere' arise out of nineteenth century microbiology, and from Beijerinck's experimental and theoretical work in particular? What is the relationship of this principle to the plant and animal biogeography that flourished throughout this formative period of microbiology's history? Understanding Beijerinck's legacy for twentieth century microbial biogeography reveals issues that are still pertinent to contemporary discussions of microbial biodiversity and biogeography.