Ecological specificity of the metagenome in a set of lower termite species supports contribution of the microbiome to adaptation of the host.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Elucidating the interplay between hosts and their microbiomes in ecological adaptation has become a central theme in evolutionary biology. A textbook example of microbiome-mediated adaptation is the adaptation of lower termites to a wood-based diet, as they depend on their gut microbiome to digest wood. Lower termites have further adapted to different life types. Termites of the wood-dwelling life type never leave their nests and feed on a uniform diet. Termites of the foraging life type forage for food outside the nest and have access to other nutrients. Here we sought to investigate whether the microbiome that is involved in food substrate breakdown and nutrient acquisition might contribute to adaptation to these dietary differences. We reasoned that this should leave

SUBMITTER: Waidele L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7807685 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature