Microbial mats in Antarctica are complex communities with different organisms playing different roles. A study on a microbial mat from Byers Peninsula found that there are at least four levels of organisms in the community: primary producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and decomposers. Nematodes are important as top consumers, connecting different carbon sources in the ecosystem. Carbon moves quickly through the food web, reaching secondary consumers in less than 11 days. This shows that organisms in the community work together efficiently, adapting to changing conditions.