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microbiota vs. microbiome

microbiota
[mahy-kroh-bahy-oh-tuh] / ˌmaɪ kroʊ baɪˈoʊ tə /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

  1. the microorganisms, both flora and fauna, that inhabit a particular region, when considered collectively.

  2. the microorganisms that live in the human body, symbiotically or pathologically.

microbiome
[mahy-kroh-bahy-ohm] / ˌmaɪ kroʊˈbaɪ oʊm /

noun

Microbiology.

  1. the totality of microorganisms and their collective genetic material present in or on the human body or in another environment.

    The wide diversity of species that make up the microbiome is hard to fathom.