Feeding cessation alters host morphology and bacterial communities in the ascidian Pseudodistoma crucigaster

Conclusions: These findings suggest that physical (thickened cuticle) and metabolic (feeding cessation) changes in host ascidians have cascading effects on associated bacteria, where modified oxygen concentrations and chemical substrates for microbial metabolism may create anaerobic microhabitats and promote colonization by environmental microorganisms.
Source: Epidemiologic Perspectives and Innovations - Category: Epidemiology Authors: Source Type: research