Open AccessConvergent evolution of the gut microbiome in marine carnivores
Author(s) -
Wang Xibao,
Wu Xiaoyang,
Shang Yongquan,
Mei Xuesong,
Zhou Shengyang,
Wei Qinguo,
Sun Guolei,
Dong Yuehuan,
Zhang Honghai
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.9373
Subject(s) - microbiome , biology , ecology , convergent evolution , habitat , proteobacteria , phylum , zoology , phylogenetics , bioinformatics , genetics , gene , biochemistry , 16s ribosomal rna , bacteria
The gut microbiome can help the host adapt to a variety of environments and is affected by many factors. Marine carnivores have unique habitats in extreme environments. The question of whether marine habitats surpass phylogeny to drive the convergent evolution of the gut microbiome in marine carnivores remains unanswered. In the present study, we compared the gut microbiomes of 16 species from different habitats. Principal component analysis (PCA) and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) separated three groups according to their gut microbiomes: marine carnivores, terrestrial carnivores, and terrestrial herbivores. The alpha diversity and niche breadth of the gut microbiome of marine carnivores were lower than those of the gut microbiome of terrestrial carnivores and terrestrial herbivores. The gut microbiome of marine carnivores harbored many marine microbiotas, including those belonging to the phyla Planctomycetes, Cyanobacteria, and Proteobacteria, and the genus Peptoclostridium . Collectively, these results revealed that marine habitats drive the convergent evolution of the gut microbiome of marine carnivores. This study provides a new perspective on the adaptive evolution of marine carnivores.