Final answer:
The intestines host a complex ecosystem of microbes including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, with bacteria like Bacteroides and Firmicutes being most prevalent. These microbes aid in digestion, immunity, and vitamin synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Microbes in the Intestines
The human intestines are a hub for microbial life, which includes a variety of microorganism types. The microbes that reside in the intestines encompass bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses. Notably, bacteria are the most prevalent, with hundreds of species present. Significant bacterial groups include the Bacteroides and Firmicutes, which are vital for digestion and play a crucial role in maintaining gut health. Archaea, such as methanogenic species, coexist alongside these bacteria. Fungi, including yeast species like Candida, and various viruses also constitute part of this complex ecosystem. The microbiota, involving all these microorganisms, contributes significantly to the digestive process, immunity, and the synthesis of essential vitamins like vitamin B12, folate, riboflavin, and vitamin K.