Gut microbiome diversity and composition is associated with exploratory behavior in a wild-caught songbird.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The gut microbiome influences its host in a myriad of ways, from immune system development to nutrient utilization. However, our understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiome and behavior, especially in wild species, is still poor. One behavior that potentially interacts with the gut microbiome is exploratory behavior, which animals use to acquire new information from the environment. We hypothesized that diversity of the gut microbiome will be correlated with exploratory behavior in a wild-caught bird species. To test this hypothesis, we captured wild house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and collected fecal samples to measure the diversity of their gut microbiomes. We then introduced individuals to a novel environment and measured their exploratory behavior

SUBMITTER: Florkowski MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9899379 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature