The gut microbiota of three avian species living in sympatry.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Evolutionary divergence and genetic variation are often linked to differences in microbial community structure and diversity. While environmental factors and diet heavily influence gut microbial communities, host species contributions are harder to quantify. Closely related species living in sympatry provide a unique opportunity to investigate species differences without the confounding effects of habitat and dietary variation. We therefore compared and contrasted the gut microbiota of three sympatric plover species: the widespread Kittlitz's and white-fronted plovers (Anarhynchus pecuarius and A. marginatus) and the endemic and vulnerable Madagascar plover (A. thoracicus).

Results

We found no significant differences in the beta diversity (composition) of the gut

SUBMITTER: Pereira H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11580620 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature