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RESEARCH PRODUCT
Microbial symbionts expanding or constraining abiotic niche space in insects
Tobias EnglMarion M. LemoineMartin Kaltenpothsubject
0106 biological sciences0301 basic medicineEntomologyInsectamedia_common.quotation_subjectAcclimatizationNicheInsectBiology010603 evolutionary biology01 natural sciencesAdaptability03 medical and health sciencesAnimal ShellsStress PhysiologicalMetals HeavyNitrogen FixationAnimalsSymbiosisEcology Evolution Behavior and SystematicsEcosystemmedia_commonAbiotic componentResistance (ecology)Host Microbial InteractionsHost (biology)EcologyMicrobiotafungiTemperatureDroughts030104 developmental biology13. Climate actionInsect ScienceDesiccationdescription
In addition to their well-studied contributions to their host’s nutrition, digestion, and defense, microbial symbionts of insects are increasingly found to affect their host’s response toward abiotic stressors. In particular, symbiotic microbes can reduce or enhance tolerance to temperature extremes, improve desiccation resistance by aiding cuticle biosynthesis and sclerotization, and detoxify heavy metals. As such, individual symbionts or microbial communities can expand or constrain the abiotic niche space of their host and determine its adaptability to fluctuating environments. In light of the increasing impact of humans on climate and environment, a better understanding of host-microbe interactions is necessary to predict how different insect species will respond to changes in abiotic conditions.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-01-01 | Current Opinion in Insect Science |