You are what your fungus eats: Diet shapes the microbial garden of a fungus-growing ant
Abstract
Background
Fungus-growing
ants
maintain
an
ectosymbiotic
microbial
garden,
intertwined
mesh
of
fungal
symbiont
hyphae
growing
through
plant
cells.
In
this
environment,
decay
progresses
along
a
longitudinal
continuum,
providing
scaffold
for
microbiota
that
colonizes
both
the
and
substrate.
study,
we
investigate
how
different
diets
influence
garden
chemical
profile,
whether
respond
to
these
dietary
changes.
Colonies
Atta
sexdens
were
provided
with
four
regimens
over
56
days,
each
varying
in
fiber
composition
nutritional
content.
We
then
analyzed
lignocellulosic
profile
taxonomic
spatial
distribution
microbiota.
Results
observed
spatiotemporal
assembly
throughout
lignocellulose
regions
exhibiting
distinct
patterns
bacterial
richness,
abundance,
diversity.
13C
ssNMR
revealed
fruits
cereals
led
increase
hemicelluloses,
particularly
those
related
xylan,
across
various
regions.
Metabarcoding
data
indicated
changes
influenced
composition,
although
also
detected
some
microbes
flexibly
adapted
diets.
Otherwise,
certain
genera
were
more
prevalent
leaf-based
diets,
while
others
favored
fruit-based
Some
thrive
when
exposed
mix
fibers
degrees
recalcitrance.
The
varied
according
diet,
as
by
SEM
analysis.
Notably,
correlated
biofilm
spreading
altered
crop
development.
Our
findings
suggest
composed
exclusively
cereals,
has
significant
impact
on
colony
health
functioning.
Conclusions
Distinct
substrates,
shaped
microhabitats,
affecting
system
several
intercorrelated
dimensions:
garden’s
distribution,
health.
highlight
pivotal
role
diet
shaping
defining
landscape,
ultimately
determining
ant
colonies
function
optimally
remain
healthy.
Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: April 25, 2025
Language: Английский