The role of gut microbiome in facilitating evolutionary adaptations to changing environments

The gut microbiome of vertebrates encompasses a diverse community of microbes that are susceptible to extrinsic factors and in turn influence the host’s physiology and behavior through the gut-brain axis and immune system. This knowledge opens up a promising avenue for exploring the evolutionary role of gut microbiota in free-living populations. The project will investigate the effects of key environmental drivers, such as diet and various stressors, on the gut microbiome composition, and aims to test the novel hypothesis that gut microbes alter the physiological and behavioral responses of wild animals thereby promoting their adaptations to changing environments. To show the causality of relationships, we will combine innovative experiments with cutting-edge molecular and biochemical methods. The results will bring novel insights into the evolutionary mechanisms that drive phenotypic variation in free-living populations and allow individuals to adapt to environmental changes.