Final answer:
The microbiota consists of the diverse community of microorganisms residing in a particular region of the human body, with the human gut being a prime example. The microbiome encompasses these microorganisms and their genetic material, important for digestion and nutrition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term microbiota refers to the totality of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, and viruses, living in a certain region of the human body such as the gut. Within the human body, scientists differentiate between resident microbiota and transient microbiota. Resident microbiota are microorganisms that are regularly found in the human body, whereas transient microbiota include organisms that are temporarily present, for example, due to dietary changes or illnesses.
The human microbiome includes all these microorganisms as well as their genetic material, and is essential for functions such as digestion and immunity. The digestive system, especially the colon, contains a very diverse microbiota composed mainly of bacteria from the genera Bacteroides and Firmicutes, as well as Methanogenic archaea and various fungi, which contribute to digestive processes and produce vital nutrients.