Discover how the dynamic interplay between diet, reproductive states, and seasonal changes shapes the gut microbiota of wild capuchin monkeys, offering insights into the complex mechanisms of microbial stability and flexibility in primates.
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Activity budget and gut microbiota stability and flexibility across reproductive states in wild capuchin monkeys in a seasonal tropical dry forest.
Webb et al., Anim Microbiome 2023
DOI: 10.1186/s42523-023-00280-6
Study Summary:
The study investigates how reproductive states affect behavior and gut microbiota in white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator). Researchers analyzed over 13,000 behavioral scans and 298 fecal samples from 33 female monkeys, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the DADA2 pipeline for microbial diversity, and PICRUSt2 for potential microbial functions.
Key Findings:
- Reproductive state had some influence on activity levels, with early nursing females foraging less than those in the cycling stage.
- Resting behaviors remained stable across pregnancy and lactation.
- Maximum temperature and social dominance were significant predictors of resting behavior, while ecological factors like fruit biomass and rainfall slightly increased foraging time.
- Gut microbial community structure was stable across reproductive cycles, though pregnant females showed small increases in certain microbial taxa.
- No significant link was found between reproductive state and abundance of metabolic pathways in the gut microbiome.
Importance:
This research challenges previous assumptions that reproductive states cause significant shifts in activity budgets and gut microbiota. Instead, it suggests that in white-faced capuchin monkeys, these factors are more influenced by ecological conditions than by reproduction. This adds to our understanding of how mammalian reproduction interacts with behavior and gut microbiota, highlighting the role of environmental factors in shaping these relationships.