Microbiota and the volatile profile of avian nests are associated with each other and with the intensity of parasitism
2024
Mazorra Alonso, Mónica | Peralta Sánchez, Juan Manuel | Heeb, Philipp | Jacob, Staffan | Martín Vivaldi, Manuel | Martínez Bueno, Manuel | Soler, Juan José | Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología | Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España | Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España | European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)
Bacteria have been suggested as being partially responsible for avian nest odours and, thus, volatiles from their metabolism could influence the intensity of selection pressures due to parasites detecting olfactory cues of their hosts. Here, we tested this hypothesis by exploring intraspecific and interspecific variability in microbial environments, volatile profiles and intensity of ectoparasitism by Carnus hemapterus in the nests of 10 avian species. As expected, we found that (i) alpha and beta diversity of microbial and volatile profiles were associated with each other. Moreover, (ii) alpha diversity of bacteria and volatiles of the nest environment, as well as some particular bacteria and volatiles, was associated with the intensity of parasitism at early and late stages of the nestling period. Finally, (iii) alpha diversity of the nest microbiota, as well as some particular bacteria and volatiles, was correlated with fledging success. When considering them together, the results support the expected links between the microbial environment and nest odours in different bird species, and between the microbial environment and both ectoparasitism intensity and fledging success. Relative abundances of particular volatiles and bacteria predicted ectoparasitism and/or fledging success. Future research should prioritise experimental approaches directed to determine the role of bacteria and volatiles in the outcomes of host–ectoparasite interactions.
Show more [+] Less [-]Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/Agencia Estatal de Investigación/10.13039/501100011033 y 'Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, una forma de hacer Europa' CGL2017-83103-P, PID2020-117429GB-C21 y PID2020-117429GB-C22
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Universidad de Sevilla