Abstract:Mutualistic co-evolution can be mediated by vertical transmission of symbionts between host generations. Organisms exhibit adaptations that ensure optimal microbial inheritance, yet the extent to which this applies to social insects, such as termites that have co-evolved with gut microbes, is poorly resolved. Here, we document consistent vertical transmission across colony generations of fungus-farming termites. Inherited bacteria comprise 44% of the microbiome, over 80 genera, and strains that are specific to… Show more
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