title: Microbial seed banks: the ecological and evolutionary implications of dormancy.
abstract: Dormancy is a bet-hedging strategy used by a wide range of taxa, including microorganisms. It refers to an organism's ability to enter a reversible state of low metabolic activity when faced with unfavourable environmental conditions. Dormant microorganisms generate a seed bank, which comprises individuals that are capable of being resuscitated following environmental change. In this Review, we highlight mechanisms that have evolved in microorganisms to allow them to successfully enter and exit a dormant state, and discuss the implications of microbial seed banks for evolutionary dynamics, population persistence, maintenance of biodiversity, and the stability of ecosystem processes.
authors.affiliation: W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, 3700 East Gull Lake Drive, Hickory Corners, Michigan 49060, USA. lennonja@msu.edu
authors.forename: Jay T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Lennon
authors.forename: Stuart E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D044822:Biodiversity; D005075:Biological Evolution; D017753:Ecosystem; D004777:Environment; D010641:Phenotype