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Data from: Hierarchical social networks shape gut microbial composition in wild Verreaux's sifaka

Cite this dataset

Perofsky, Amanda C. et al. (2017). Data from: Hierarchical social networks shape gut microbial composition in wild Verreaux's sifaka [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.qf731

Abstract

In wild primates, social behaviour influences exposure to environmentally acquired and directly transmitted microorganisms. Prior studies indicate that gut microbiota reflect pairwise social interactions among chimpanzee and baboon hosts. Here, we demonstrate that higher-order social network structure—beyond just pairwise interactions—drives gut bacterial composition in wild lemurs, which live in smaller and more cohesive groups than previously studied anthropoid species. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and social network analysis of grooming contacts, we estimate the relative impacts of hierarchical (i.e. multilevel) social structure, individual demographic traits, diet, scent-marking, and habitat overlap on bacteria acquisition in a wild population of Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) consisting of seven social groups. We show that social group membership is clearly reflected in the microbiomes of individual sifaka, and that social groups with denser grooming networks have more homogeneous gut microbial compositions. Within social groups, adults, more gregarious individuals, and individuals that scent-mark frequently harbour the greatest microbial diversity. Thus, the community structure of wild lemurs governs symbiotic relationships by constraining transmission between hosts and partitioning environmental exposure to microorganisms. This social cultivation of mutualistic gut flora may be an evolutionary benefit of tight-knit group living.

Usage notes

Funding

The University of Texas at Austin

Leakey Foundation

National Science Foundation, Award: DEB-0749097

American Society of Primatologists, Award: Small research grant

Primate Conservation

National Science Foundation, Award: Graduate Research Fellowship

Beacon: An NSF Center for the Study of Evolution in Action

International Primatological Society, Award: Small research grant

National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Award: 2U01GM087719-06

Location

Madagascar