Efficient but occasionally imperfect vertical transmission of gut mutualistic protists in a wood‐feeding termite

• DOI: 10.1111/mec.15322
• Publication Date: 2019-12-02T21:19:13Z
• Authors: Caroline Michaud; Vincent Hervé; Simon Dupont; Géraldine Dubreuil; Annie M. Bézier; Joël Meunier; Andreas Brune; Franck Dedeine
• Keywords: Protist; Horizontal transmission; Mutualism; Horizontal Gene Transfer

Abstract Although mutualistic associations between animals and microbial symbionts are widespread in nature, the mechanisms that have promoted their evolutionary persistence remain poorly understood. A vertical mode of symbiont transmission (from parents to offspring) is thought ensure partner fidelity stabilization, although efficiency has rarely been investigated, especially cases where hosts harbour a diverse community. Here we evaluated rates cellulolytic gut oxymonad parabasalid protists wood‐feeding termite Reticulitermes grassei . We sequenced amplicons 18S rRNA gene from 24 colonies R. collected two populations. For each colony, protist community was characterized 14 swarming reproductives pool 10 worker guts. total 98 operational taxonomic units belonging 13 species‐level taxa were found. The rate estimated for present colony based on its frequency among reproductives. results revealed high, with an average 0.897 (±0.164) per species. Overall, did not differ reproductive sexes, suggesting both queen king could contribute microbiota offspring. positive relationship prevalence within populations also detected. However, alone do explain protists. In conclusion, these findings reveal key forces behind conserved, multispecies mutualism, raising further questions roles horizontal transfer negative selection shaping prevalence.