Fig. 2.

Framework implementation towards an increased understanding of microbial ecosystems. a Phylogenetic sequence analysis identifies PCGs from the 16S community table (1). The framework predicts the existence of a number of phylo-niches in the ecosystem (2). Bioinformatic analysis using PCG phylogeny and genomic databases illuminates phylo-niche characteristics (3). b The use of community composition, PCG structure, genomic databases, and pylo-niche characteristics to prime complementing network analysis, metabolic, and individual-based models will translate into an unprecedented understanding of the ecosystem, illuminating patch niche structure, assembly rules, and function, as well as ecosystem patch structure