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Thesis
How do host genetics and caste shape the structured diversity of the army ant gut microbiome?
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Aug 2017
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7722
Abstract
The gut microbiome of the army ant species Eciton burchellii is relatively species-poor when compared to that of other host species. Despite this, a colony of Eciton burchellii boasts a high diversity of strains of two key gut bacterial species: Unclassified Entomoplasmatales and Unclassified Firmicutes (thus far known to be army-ant specific species). One strain dominates each individual worker. The purpose of this study is to investigate possible factors involved in shaping this diversity. To address this question, I gathered two types of data. First, I sequenced the protein-coding gene rplB of Unclassified Entomoplasmatales and Unclassified Firmicutes from individual workers in 2 different colonies of Eciton burchellii to assign strains to individual workers. Second, I gathered overall gut community data (bacterial species present and their relative abundances) for these ants. I then compared these data between patrilines (groups of ants from the same "father") to assess the possible role of host genetics in shaping the army ant gut microbiome. I found a very high diversity of strains for both bacterial species, especially Entomoplasmatales. However, there was no strong evidence for host genetics having a major effect on the strain present or the community profile of an ant. Unexpected patterns suggested that the strain of Firmicutes found in an individual may be partially dictated by the caste of the ant. In addition, community profiling showed that another microbe, Weissella, was found most often in the largest caste, the soldier. The patterns uncovered reveal caste may play a major role in shaping the diversity of the army ant gut microbiome. It is also likely that transmission of microbes between members of a colony (social transmission) in conjunction with the swarm colony founding behavior of army ants contribute to the patterns of diversity observed. Overall, more sampling would aid in uncovering factors responsible for shaping the army ant gut microbiome.
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Details
- Title
- How do host genetics and caste shape the structured diversity of the army ant gut microbiome?
- Creators
- Catherine L. D'Amelio - DU
- Contributors
- Jacob A. Russell (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vi, 50 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biology; College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 7722; 991014632685104721