Rare taxa enhance microbial network complexity and drive nitrification and denitrification processes in river ecosystems

Puntos clave

• This research examines the impact of rare taxa on microbial network complexity and nitrogen cycling in river ecosystems.
• Analyzed the contribution of rare and abundant taxa to microbial networks in rivers.
• Assessed nitrification and denitrification processes at a continental scale.
• Rare taxa were found to significantly enhance microbial network complexity.
• Rare taxa contribute more to nitrification and denitrification than abundant taxa.