Evolution and Diversity of Avian Gut Microbiomes

Birds occupy a wide variety of niches in a diversity of environments, while consuming a wide range of diets. In turn, birds harbor complex and diverse gut bacterial communities. Avian microbiology, especially that of wild birds, is less understood compared to other vertebrates, such as mammals. In mammals, evolutionary history and host species are shown to determine gut microbiota, with closely related species having more similar gut microbial communities (Ley et al, 2008). Therefore, broader and in depth research of avian gut microbiomes is of interest to enhance our understanding of the evolutionary history of these host-microbe interactions and how this could facilitate avian diversity.

The composition of gut microbiota is influenced by a number of factors, including host genetics, lifestyle and diet. This Research Topic aims to shed further light on the evolution and diversity of avian microbiomes, and how environmental factors can shape avian gut microbiome functions and structures, as well as the influence of the microbiome on avian physiology. Topics of interest here include:

• Omics studies on avian gut bacteria, including domestic and wild bird species;

• Taxonomic composition of avian gut microbiomes;

• Evolutionary history of avian gut microbiomes and its role in avian diversity and evolutionary processes that shape these host-microbe interactions;

• Influence of environmental factors in shaping avian gut microbiome functions and structures;

• Antimicrobial resistance gene expression in avian gut microbiome – from birds in different habitats and locations;

• Avian gut microbiome diversity and its influence on bird physiology and evolution.

We will accept submission of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Opinion and Perspective articles.