ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Microbial consortium

A microbial consortium is like a team of tiny organisms that work together. Each organism has a special job. Some are good at breaking down food, while others help clean up waste products. Together, they make sure that everything in their environment stays in balance. Think of them like a community of helpers who all work together to keep things tidy and healthy. Just as you have different friends who help you with different tasks, each organism in a microbial consortium has a unique role to play. By working together, they help keep the world a better and safer place!