Natural Foraging Selection and Gut Microecology of Two Subterranean Rodents from the Eurasian Steppe in China.

ABSTRACT: As the most abundant group of mammals, rodents possess a very rich ecotype, which makes them ideal for studying the relationship between diet and host gut microecology. Zokors are specialized herbivorous rodents adapted to living underground. Unlike more generalized herbivorous rodents, they feed on the underground parts of grassland plants. There are two species of the genus Myospalax in the Eurasian steppes in China: one is Myospalax psilurus, which inhabits meadow grasslands and forest edge areas, and the other is M. aspalax, which inhabits typical grassland areas. How are the dietary choices of the two species adapted to long-term subterranean life, and what is the relationship of this diet with gut microbes? Are there unique indicator genera for their gut microbia

SUBMITTER: Shang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11350848 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature