 The sequence-based approach is feasible due to the vastly reduced costs of sequencing and the increased computing power available. The goal of the approach is to get an idea of the diversity and distribution of microbes present in the sample and to also get an insight into their functioning (for instance by identifying metabolism-related enzymes that can give clues about the metabolic pathways active in the different microbes). This can give insights into the workings of the microbial ecosystem present in the sampled environment more generally.