Dark-zone alterations expand throughout Paleolithic Lascaux Cave despite spatial heterogeneity of the cave microbiome.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cave anthropization related to rock art tourism can lead to cave microbiota imbalance and microbial alterations threatening Paleolithic artwork, but the underpinning microbial changes are poorly understood. Caves can be microbiologically heterogeneous and certain rock wall alterations may develop in different rooms despite probable spatial heterogeneity of the cave microbiome, suggesting that a same surface alteration might involve a subset of cosmopolitan taxa widespread in each cave room. We tested this hypothesis in Lascaux, by comparing recent alterations (dark zones) and nearby unmarked surfaces in nine locations within the cave.

Results

Illumina MiSeq metabarcoding of unmarked surfaces confirmed microbiome heterogeneity of the cave. Against this background,

SUBMITTER: Bontemps Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10084675 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature