Microbes and Animals explores the fascinating world of animal-microbe interactions, revealing how microbial communities profoundly impact animal biology, ecology, and evolution. Challenging traditional views, the book highlights symbiotic relationships and the importance of the microbiome in understanding animal life. For example, the gut microbiome in mammals significantly influences host physiology, while microbes play a crucial role in insect nutrition. This interdisciplinary approach bridges microbiology, zoology, and evolutionary biology, emphasizing the concept of the holobiont—the animal host and its associated microbes—as a single evolving unit.
The book progresses by first introducing core concepts and microbial diversity across animal groups. It then delves into the functional roles of microbes in animal health and the evolutionary dynamics of these partnerships. Specific chapters examine the gut microbiome, insect nutrition, and microbial impacts on marine invertebrate development. By synthesizing insights from diverse sources, including metagenomic studies, the book demonstrates the relevance of animal-microbe interactions to various scientific fields and offers practical implications for animal husbandry and conservation.
