The Greatest Diversity of the Human Microbiome is Found

Question

The greatest diversity of the human microbiome is found
A) on the skin.
B) in the mouth.
C) in the intestine.
D) in the urinary system.
E) in the respiratory system.

Accepted Answer

The greatest diversity of the human microbiome is found in the intestine. The large intestine alone is estimated to contain up to 100 trillion microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. This diverse community of microorganisms is important for digestion, immune function, and other physiological processes. While the skin and mouth also harbor significant amounts of microbial diversity, the intestine is the site of greatest diversity. The urinary and respiratory systems have relatively low levels of microbial diversity.