總體基因體學是直接抽取環境中微生物的遺傳物質， 並分析微生物群落的基因 體。地球的生物多樣性有三分之二是由微生物所構成，而其中多達9 9 %的微生物無法透過 一般的技術來培養。總體基因體學技術即克服了這個障礙， 可獲得過去未被發現的微生 物，並可探究生物在生態上的互動關係，以及透過比較分析的方式，作為環境監測或變遷 的參考， 除此之外也可應用在生物科技的開發利用。本文回顧總體基因體學的發展、方 法、應用及展望，有助於森林學研究發展到更高的層次。

Metagenomics is the genomic analysis of microorganisms by direct extraction, cloning, and analyzing microbial genomics of DNA from their environments. Microorganisms constitute two thirds of the Earth's biological diversity. As many as 99% of the microorganisms cannot be cultured by standard techniques. Metagenomics approach have been developed to capture unexplored microbial diversity to overcome the existing barriers in estimating diversity, studying ecological interaction of organisms and comparative analysis for monitoring environment changes. Besides, it can also be applied to biotechnology. In this review, we outlined the process of metagenomics and its application and prospect in forestry, contributing to the development of forest science research.