• Skip to Page Content
  • Skip to Site Navigation
  • Skip to Search
  • Skip to Footer
American Museum of Natural History
Share
OLogy Home
Games
Reading
Hands-on
Videos
Biology
Biodiversity
Brain
Genetics
Marine BiOLogy
MicrobiOLogy
PaleontOLogy
ZoOLogy
Human Cultures
AnthropOLogy
ArchaeOLogy
Earth & Space
Astronomy
Climate Change
Earth
Physics
Water
Type keyword(s) to search OLogy

OLogy Cards > human microbiome

OLOGY CARD 371
Series: Biology

human microbiome

Your body is more than just you - it is an ecosystem for trillions of tiny microbes. These bacteria, viruses, and other single-celled organisms form communities inside and on your body. Together, these communities make up your microbiome. Your microbiome works with your body to keep your digestive system, immune system, and even your brain working properly. Your microbiome is so important to your survival, you could think of it as an extra organ.

Definition: the collection of microbes on and in your body
Types: mostly bacteria; also viruses, fungi, and archaea
Functions: help with digestion, boost immune system, make vitamins, fight and prevent infections, affect our moods
Cool Fact: Microbes are so tiny, that billions can live in a drop of water.

Most microbes that live, feed, and reproduce in your body are:

bacteria

germs

fungi

Correct!

Though some microbes in our bodies are germs that can make us sick, most work together to keep us alive and healthy. By far, most of these microbes are bacteria.

How many species of microbes live inside you?

about 100

about 1,000

as many as 10,000

Correct!

Scientists think there may be about 10,000 different species of microbes living inside you! They're invisible to the eye, but they come in many different shapes and sizes.

There are more microbes in your body than human cells.

Fact
OR
Fiction
?

Fact

Seventy to ninety percent of all cells in the human body are microbial cells!

Your microbiome stays the same throughout your life.

Fact
OR
Fiction
?

Fiction

Changing your diet can change which microbes live in your gut. Washing, antibiotics, hand sanitizers, and pets are just a few other things that affect your microbiome every day.

When you eat, you're feeding your microbes.

Fact
OR
Fiction
?

Fact

Microbes in your gut get their food from the food you eat. Some foods that feed helpful bacteria in your digestive system include beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Image credits: main image, © AMNH/Gaby D'Alessandro.

You might also like...

What Do You Know About the Human Microbiome?

Test your knowledge about the bacteria and other microbes that live on and in us.

Gutsy: The Gut Microbiome Card Game

Who will be the first to diversify their gut microbiome and win? 

Bacteria in the Cafeteria Game

Play this game to find out more about the microbes that help and hurt us.
Page footer
  • Contact Us
  • OLogy Cards
  • For Educators
  • Credits
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright
  • OLogy Sitemap