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Applying evolutionary theory to understand host-microbiome evolution
Bob Week1,2,3, Shelbi L Russell4,5, Hinrich Schulenburg2,3
1Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
Nature Ecology & Evolution
|September 8, 2025
Summary
Host-microbiota interactions are vital, yet their evolutionary role is poorly understood. This perspective proposes expanding evolutionary theory with models like niche construction to explain host-microbe co-evolution.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Microbiology
- Ecology
Background:
- All organisms host microbial communities (microbiotas) influencing their life history.
- The evolutionary impact of these host-microbiota relationships remains largely unknown.
- A lack of theoretical frameworks hinders understanding of host-microbiota evolutionary dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose that existing evolutionary theory can form the basis for understanding host-microbiota evolution.
- To highlight theoretical models applicable to host-microbiome evolution.
- To suggest expansions of current theory to encompass unique aspects of host-microbe systems.
Main Methods:
- Review and application of four established evolutionary theoretical models: niche construction, indirect genetic effects, maternal effects, and multilevel selection.
- Discussion on how these frameworks illuminate host-microbiome evolution.
- Identification of unique processes in host-microbe assemblages for theoretical expansion.
Main Results:
- Niche construction, indirect genetic effects, maternal effects, and multilevel selection offer valuable insights into host-microbiome evolution.
- Current evolutionary theory can be expanded to include microbiota transmission and community dynamics.
- A theoretical foundation is proposed for studying the evolution of host-microbiota systems.
Conclusions:
- Integrating evolutionary theory with host-microbiota dynamics is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of evolution.
- The proposed approach can guide future empirical research on host-microbe interactions.
- Understanding host-microbiota evolution is key to advancing evolutionary biology.
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