Define the word ubiquitous, and provide examples showing why this is an appropriate term to use when describing microbes.

Ubiquitous refers to any living being or the nonliving thing that is present everywhere. Microbes such as bacteria are ubiquitous in nature.

Explanation:

Microbes are said to be ubiquitous in nature which means that one or other microbial species are present everywhere. The ubiquitous nature of microbes is due to several factors. One of them is that all the microbes require macronutrients and micronutrients in small amount which in turn are available for them almost everywhere. Therefore, microbes find the required nutrients to support their growth.

In addition, microbes such as archaea are adapted to survive in harsh conditions. This makes the microbes to occupy the harsh habitats such as hot water springs, polar caps.