GLOSSARY

Relative Abundance is a group's measured share, whose increase need not mean growth in its absolute count.

Relative abundance is a share of the measured total, not an absolute count. A larger share may reflect declines elsewhere rather than growth of that organism. Extraction and analysis also influence estimates. Interpret before-and-after diet percentages with these constraints and the wider community. A colorful chart alone does not demonstrate causality, establish an ideal population size or justify trying to eliminate every low-abundance organism.

Phylum, family, genus, species and strain are different taxonomic levels; one strain's result cannot automatically represent its whole genus. Scientific revisions change names while older names remain in reports. Match current and historical names when comparing labels with studies. A ratio between two large phyla alone does not diagnose obesity, health or athletic readiness, and classification is not a ranking of universal benefit.

Composition identifies detected groups; functional potential concerns genetic capacity, while activity concerns what is actually expressed or produced. Different communities can share functions. A gene's presence does not guarantee a particular metabolite output. Organism names alone therefore establish neither extra usable energy nor improved absorption, strength or recovery. Distinguish taxonomic detection, measured activity and meaningful human outcomes when assessing a microbiome claim.