ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Earth Microbiome Project

The Earth Microbiome Project is a really big study that tries to understand all the tiny living things that exist in different parts of the earth. These tiny living things are called microbes and they are so small that we can't see them with our eyes, we need to use special tools like microscopes to see them.

Just like how we humans live in different places on earth like cities, mountains, deserts, and forests, the microbes also live in different parts of the earth like the soil, oceans, rivers, and even inside other living things like animals and plants.

Scientists from all around the world are working together on this project to collect samples of these tiny microbes from different parts of the earth and study their DNA (like a genetic code that tells us about their characteristics). By doing this, they hope to learn more about how these microbes help in the functioning of the earth's ecosystem, which in turn helps us understand more about how our planet works.

So, the Earth Microbiome Project is like a huge scientific adventure where researchers work together to explore the amazing world of tiny living things that exist all around us!