Biotic interactions and environmental modifications determine symbiotic microbial diversity and stability
Taking amphibians as island models, we investigated species-area relationships as well as stability-area relationships of skin and gut microbes. By studying the microbial diversity-area relationship (MDAR), we determined whether and how microbial diversity changes with available resources. (2) By studying the microbial stability-area relationship (MSAR), we determined whether and how microbial stability changes with available resources. (3) We assessed the effects of environmental modification by microorganisms on community diversity and stability.