Living BeingsCompare species
Methanobrevibacter smithii
Methanobrevibacter smithii
African Baobab
Adansonia digitata
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Methanobrevibacter smithii | African Baobab |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | Small cells require microscopy and validated taxonomic methods for study. Closely related gut methanogens need careful strain-level discrimination. | Thick, fibrous bark surrounds a broad trunk. Each compound leaf has several leaflets radiating from a central point. |
| Habitat and range | The oxygen-poor distal intestine provides a host-associated environment supplied with microbial fermentation products. | A terrestrial tree of tropical Africa, it is adapted to seasonally dry conditions and is also planted in gardens and settlements. |
| Diet and nutrition | Hydrogen-consuming methanogenesis uses products released by other community members, contributing to methane formation. | Leaves produce sugars through photosynthesis. Water and mineral nutrients are taken up through the roots. |
| Behavior and activity | Surface glycans, adhesin-like proteins and nutrient competition help explain persistence in the intestinal environment. | Data unavailable |
| Reproduction and life cycle | Cell multiplication occurs within suitable anaerobic conditions. Genomic comparisons distinguish strains and newly separated related species. | Large, hanging white flowers develop into capsules containing seeds embedded in pale, powdery pulp. New trees can be grown from seed. |
| Geographic distribution | Human-derived isolates and genomic studies document host-associated occurrence. A person's carriage cannot be inferred from a species profile. | Native to Africa and cultivated elsewhere. The accompanying photograph shows a planted specimen in Madagascar; that location should not be confused with the native range of every baobab species. |
| Ecological role | Removal of fermentation products can affect interactions among members of the gut microbial community. | Its flowers, fruit and extensive woody structure provide biological resources. The familiar name baobab also applies to other species, which should not be confused with this one. |
| Distinctive adaptations | The genome study identified surface glycans resembling those in the gut mucosa and regulated adhesin-like proteins. It also examined consumption of products made by carbohydrate-fermenting bacteria. These results explain potential mechanisms of persistence and microbial interaction; observations in experimental mice do not establish a health outcome for every human carrying this archaeon. | A substantial trunk and drought-resistant growth form help distinguish this tree from many humid-forest trees. |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: cellular organisms.