Ant Microbiome Flashcards
1
Q
why is the gut microbiome in ants important
A
symbiotic bacteria in ants affect the fitness of the ants by altering their lifecycle, reproductive system, and psychological/behavioral traits
2
Q
transmission modes of symbiotic bacteria
A
- inter-generational transmission
- intra-generational transmission
3
Q
transmission modes of symbiotic bacteria - inter-generational transmissions
A
- transmission from mother to offspring
- when the queen ant harboring beneficial bacteria makes a nest
4
Q
transmission modes of symbiotic bacteria - intra-generational transmissions
A
- transmission of bacteria from individual to individual
- colony members transmitting bacteria to one another
5
Q
explain the queen ant’s microbiome
A
Queens often have specialized microbiome associated with the costs of egg production.
6
Q
how is the ant microbiome studied
A
typically studied by identifying bacteria genetically, through sequencing techniques.
