THE ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOTA IN ANIMAL HEALTH AND EVOLUTION

Abstract

The gut microbiota—an intricate and diverse community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract—plays a critical role in maintaining animal health and influencing evolutionary trajectories. These microbial populations contribute to digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system development, and protection against pathogens. Beyond these physiological roles, gut microbiota can also affect animal behavior, metabolism, and adaptation to environmental changes. Emerging research has demonstrated how host–microbe interactions co-evolve, driving mutualistic relationships that enhance survival and reproduction. Variations in gut microbiota across species and within populations are shaped by factors such as diet, genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Understanding the dynamic interplay between gut microbiota and host animals provides key insights into disease resistance, ecological adaptation, and the broader evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity.