How Do The Variations In Fungal Community Composition In The Rhizosphere Of Quercus Robur And Quercus Petraea Affect The Foraging Behavior And Gut Microbiota Of European Roe Deer (Capreolus Capreolus) In Temperate Forest Ecosystems?

by ADMIN 233 views

The fungal community in the rhizosphere of Quercus robur and Quercus petraea influences the foraging behavior and gut microbiota of European roe deer through several interconnected mechanisms:

  1. Plant-Fungus Interactions: Mycorrhizal fungi enhance nutrient uptake for oak trees, potentially altering the nutritional content and chemical composition of leaves and roots. This can make plants more or less appealing to deer based on taste and nutrient availability.

  2. Foraging Behavior: Deer may adjust their feeding habits in response to changes in plant chemistry. Fungi could make plants tastier or more nutritious, attracting deer, or more toxic, causing avoidance. The diversity of fungi might lead to a varied diet, influencing foraging patterns.

  3. Gut Microbiota Adaptation: The deer's gut microbiome adapts to changes in diet. Shifts in plant chemistry due to fungi may favor certain microbial communities, affecting digestion and overall health. A diverse gut microbiome is linked to better digestion and health.

  4. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Fungi may produce VOCs that affect deer's sense of smell, influencing foraging choices by altering plant scent without changing taste or nutrition.

  5. Seasonal Variations: Fungal activity may vary seasonally, impacting plant chemistry and deer feeding preferences at different times of the year.

  6. Ecosystem Structure: Fungi can influence plant community composition, potentially increasing oak dominance and affecting deer foraging locations and diet.

In conclusion, the fungal community has a cascading effect on deer ecology, influencing foraging behavior and gut microbiota through changes in plant chemistry, scent, and ecosystem structure. Understanding these interactions requires further study, including experiments manipulating fungal communities to observe effects on deer behavior and microbiota.