Microbiome reduction and endosymbiont gain from a switch in sea urchin life history
Tyler J. Carrier, Brittany A. Leigh, Dione J. Deaker, Hannah R. Devens, Gregory A. Wray, Seth R. Bordenstein, Maria Byrne, Adam M. Reitzel
Abstract
, we demonstrate that the lack of a functional gut corresponds with a reduction in microbial community diversity and abundance as well as the association with a diet-specific microbiome. We also determine that the lecithotroph vertically transmits a Rickettsiales that may complement host nutrition through amino acid biosynthesis and influence host reproduction. Our results indicate that the evolutionary loss of a functional gut correlates with a reduction in the microbiome and the association with an endosymbiont. Symbiotic transitions can therefore accompany life history transitions in the evolution of developmental strategies.