Age as a primary driver of the gut microbial composition and function in wild harbor seals.

ABSTRACT: Dietary changes are the major variation cause in the composition of the gut microbiota. The short lactation phase in phocids provides an exceptional opportunity to explore the microbiota's response to a quick transition from a milk-based to a solid diet. We investigated the effects of age and sex on the gut microbiota of harbor seals in Mexico using rectal and fecal samples from pups and adults. 16S gene sequencing revealed age explains most of the observed variations in microbial composition. Individuals with frequent contact (pups-female adults) have major microbial similarities than those with little or no contact (pups-male adults). Overall, adults and females (regardless of sex and age, respectively) have a greater microbial richness; as seals grow, the core microbiome shrinks, and mi

SUBMITTER: Pacheco-Sandoval A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9420123 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature