An uneasy truce in a microbial ecosystem
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An uneasy truce in a microbial ecosystem

by Charlotte Kenchington

In a Scottish tidal pool, two microbial colonies battle for dominance. The colonies are different colours, and produce a mottled pattern where they meet and intermingle. Even a slight change to the composition of the tidal pool waters would destroy the delicate balance between the two colonies. A seaweed frond is caught in the middle.