Whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing allows researchers to obtain a comprehensive view of the genetic content of a microbial community, including the ability to identify different __________ present in the sample.

Whole‑genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing lets researchers read all the DNA fragments in a sample, so they can see which species of microbes are there. By assembling short reads into longer sequences, scientists can match those sequences to known genomes and assign each fragment to a particular organism. This process reveals the diversity of species, or taxa, present in the community. For example, a gut sample might show DNA from *Escherichia coli*, *Bacteroides fragilis*, and *Lactobacillus rhamnosus*, indicating a mixed bacterial population. Thus, this technique provides a comprehensive inventory of the microbial species in a sample.