Explainer: How bacteria give rain its unique scent

The video explores the unique scent of rain, attributed to geosmin, a chemical produced by Streptomyces bacteria. This scent attracts springtails, small arthropods that consume the bacteria, aiding in the spread of bacterial spores. This mutually beneficial relationship has likely existed for millions of years. Streptomyces produce antibiotics that are harmful to other organisms but not to springtails, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation where springtails have become a key vector for the bacteria's reproduction.

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