Gudelj, IvanaWeitz, Joshua SFerenci, TomClaire Horner-Devine, MMarx, Christopher JMeyer, Justin RForde, Samantha E2013-10-242010Gudelj, Ivana, Joshua S. Weitz, Tom Ferenci, M. Claire Horner-Devine, Christopher J. Marx, Justin R. Meyer, and Samantha E. Forde. 2010. An integrative approach to understanding microbial diversity: from intracellular mechanisms to community structure. Ecology Letters 13(9): 1073-1084.1461-023Xhttp://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:11211549Trade-offs have been put forward as essential to the generation and maintenance of diversity. However, variation in trade-offs is often determined at the molecular level, outside the scope of conventional ecological inquiry. In this study, we propose that understanding the intracellular basis for trade-offs in microbial systems can aid in predicting and interpreting patterns of diversity. First, we show how laboratory experiments and mathematical models have unveiled the hidden intracellular mechanisms underlying trade-offs key to microbial diversity: (i) metabolic and regulatory tradeoffs in bacteria and yeast; (ii) life-history trade-offs in bacterial viruses. Next, we examine recent studies of marine microbes that have taken steps toward reconciling the molecular and the ecological views of trade-offs, despite the challenges in doing so in natural settings. Finally, we suggest avenues for research where mathematical modelling, experiments and studies of natural microbial communities provide a unique opportunity to integrate studies of diversity across multiple scales.en-USecological genomicsexperimental evolutionmathematical modelsmicro-organismsmetabolismparasitismtrade-offsvirusesJournal Article2013-10-2410.1111/j.1461-0248.2010.01507.x