Question

Your friend just recovered from a painful bacterial ear infection. Her first day back at school, she says, "Scientists should just

figure out how to eliminate all the bacteria in the world so that no one gets sick!" What is wrong with this statement? What

would happen if there were no bacteria on earth?

Answer 1

Numerous species that are essential to human sustenance, such as cows, goats, and sheep, would face rapid demise if they were to become overly reliant on bacteria for their survival. With the gradual reduction in the population of flora and fauna, the retention of vital nutrients in their accessible forms would ultimately lead to a more widespread occurrence of mortality.

Answer 2

Many of the species that humans rely on for food, such as cows, goats, and sheep, would perish quickly if they were more dependent on bacteria for survival. As the population of plants and animals slowly decreased, sequestration of important nutrients in accessible forms would eventually result in more widespread death.