Changes to the gut microbiota of a wild juvenile passerine in a multidimensional urban mosaic.

ABSTRACT: Urbanisation is a major anthropogenic perturbation presenting novel ecological and evolutionary challenges to wild populations. Symbiotic microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tracts (gut) of vertebrates have mutual connections with host physiology and respond quickly to environmental alterations. However, the impact of anthropogenic changes and urbanisation on the gut microbiota remains poorly understood, especially in early development. To address this knowledge gap, we characterised the gut microbiota of juvenile great tits (Parus major) reared in artificial nestboxes and in natural cavities in an urban mosaic, employing two distinct frameworks characterising the urban space. Microbial diversity was influenced by cavity type. Alpha diversity was affected by the amount of imper

SUBMITTER: Maraci O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9046431 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature