Hierarchical eco-evo dynamics mediated by the gut microbiome

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Eco-evolutionary (eco-evo) dynamics integrate ecological and evolutionary processes occurring at similar timescales.
• Host phenotypes, crucial to eco-evo dynamics, are significantly influenced by the gut microbiome.
• The gut microbiome's role in shaping host phenotypes suggests its importance in eco-evo feedback loops.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the intricate relationship between gut microbiome composition and host eco-evolutionary dynamics.
• To investigate how the gut microbiome influences host phenotypes and, consequently, population, community, and ecosystem-level changes.
• To elucidate the mechanisms of bottom-up and top-down eco-evo feedback loops involving the gut microbiome.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual synthesis of existing research on eco-evo dynamics and microbiome-host interactions.
• Analysis of theoretical frameworks describing microbiome-mediated effects on host phenotypes.
• Examination of potential feedback mechanisms between host communities and gut microbial communities.

Main Results:

• Gut microbiome significantly impacts host phenotypes, thereby influencing eco-evo dynamics.
• Complex feedback loops between gut microbiome and host communities are likely common.
• Bottom-up dynamics: microbiome changes affect host phenotypes, impacting higher ecological levels.
• Top-down dynamics: host community changes influence gut microbiome structure.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome is a key factor mediating eco-evo dynamics.
• Understanding microbiome-host interactions is essential for predicting responses to environmental change.
• Further research into eco-evo feedback loops involving the gut microbiome is warranted.