Microbes play several critical roles in the ecosystem, including decomposing organic matter, cycling nutrients, and forming symbiotic relationships with plants and animals. They participate in processes such as nitrogen fixation, which enriches soil fertility, making them vital for plant growth and agricultural productivity. Additionally, some microbes are essential for digestion in herbivores and assist in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling populations of other organisms. Understanding the role of microbes is important in ecology, environmental science, and biotechnology.