Experimental evolution of a mammalian holobiont: bank voles selected for herbivorous capability evolved distinct and robust gut bacterial communities.

ABSTRACT: According to the "hologenome" theory of evolution, natural selection and evolution can act through a conglomerate biological unit, the "holobiont"-the host and its associated microbiome. Although the concept is appealing and emerges as a unifying paradigm, its merits are debated, and few attempts have been made to directly test its specific assumptions using the approaches of experimental evolution. Here, we fill this gap using a unique model system: lines of bank vole (Clethrionomys = Myodes glareolus) selected for enhanced ability to grow or maintain body mass in 4-day test with a low-quality herbivorous diet and unselected control lines. Results from a complex nature-nurture design, in which we combined the selection experiment with dietary treatment and cohabitation between indi

SUBMITTER: Lipowska MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12516954 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature