Journal of Avian Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 2025(2)
Published: March 1, 2025
Long‐distance bird migration is one of the most metabolically and immunologically challenging feats in animal kingdom, with birds often needing to double their weight a matter days facing increased exposure novel pathogens. The physiological behavioural adaptations required survive such journeys may be facilitated by gut microbiome, diverse community symbiotic microbes that produce rare nutrients, fatty acids, immune compounds can confer rapid changing environmental conditions. However, causal role microbiome regulating physiology remains mystery. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge composition function during migration, outline possible mechanisms which changes could benefit migrants, identify future research priorities. We find active usually associated reduced diversity expansion several study‐specific taxa. Additionally, some microbial traits have been found correlate host condition fat deposits migration. there little understanding how relate parameters, molecular linking or underlying ecological, dietary, intrinsic drivers across migratory cycle. Our review draws from examples non‐migratory systems explore microbiomes adaptively regulate relevant highlight need for studies connect circulating metabolites experimental test metabolite dynamics controlled settings. Given its demands ubiquity, presents an excellent model system investigate adaptive potential natural populations.
Language: Английский