Natural microbial ecosystems are characterized by a high level of
biodiversity. In such a community, microorganisms compete for space
and resources. Research efforts that have focused on understanding
the mechanisms responsible for the coexistence or dominance of these
microorganisms have highlighted the multitude of strategies that they
can employ when found in the same ecosystem. From the information
collected in studies in this specific research area, it is becoming evident
that microorganisms of the same species are able to interact and that
they may develop competitive or cooperative behavior. Through a study
of such phenomena, it is possible to understand how specific individuals,