Factors shaping the gut microbiome of five species of lizards from different habitats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Host-gut microbiota interactions are complex and can have a profound impact on the ecology and evolution of both counterparts. Several host traits such as systematics, diet and social behavior, and external factors such as prey availability and local environment are known to influence the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota.

Methods

In this study, we investigate the influence of systematics, sex, host size, and locality/habitat on gut microbiota diversity in five lizard species from two different sites in Portugal: Podarcis bocagei and Podarcis lusitanicus, living in syntopy in a rural area in northern Portugal (Moledo); the invasive Podarcis siculus and the native Podarcis virescens, living in sympatry in an urbanized envir

SUBMITTER: Vasconcelos DS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10178224 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature