Which of the following statements best describes the significance of whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing in studying microbial communities?

Whole‑genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing allows researchers to capture all the DNA present in a microbial community at once, rather than studying one organism at a time. By sequencing every fragment, scientists can identify which species are there and what genes they carry, revealing both who is there and what functions they can perform. This method bypasses the need to grow microbes in the lab, which would miss many uncultivable organisms. For example, sequencing the gut microbiome can uncover genes that help break down dietary fibers, showing how the community supports digestion. Thus, this technique provides a comprehensive, functional snapshot of the entire microbial ecosystem.