A new study has uncovered the secret behind how deer manage to survive and thrive on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, one of the world’s highest and harshest environments. The key lies within their gut microbiome—the community of microorganisms living in their digestive systems.
Researchers from the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology (NWIPB), under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have found that the gut bacteria of plateau-dwelling cervids play a crucial role in helping them adapt to extreme conditions like low oxygen levels and freezing temperatures.
The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, often called the “roof of the world,” sits at an average altitude of over 4,000 meters. The harsh environment poses significant challenges to wildlife, but cervids have managed to not only survive but also evolve uniquely in this region.
“We wanted to understand how these large mammals adapt at such high altitudes,” said Zhang Tongzuo, a researcher at NWIPB. “Our study shows that their gut microbiota have evolved to assist with energy metabolism and other functions necessary for survival in extreme conditions.”
The team conducted large-scale metagenomic sequencing on the gut microbiota of several plateau cervid species. They compared these findings with data from cervids living in lower-altitude environments. The result was the first comprehensive gut microbiome catalog for cervids, featuring over 41,000 metagenome-assembled genomes.
“This catalog provides a solid foundation for future research on how gut microbes contribute to the adaptability of animals in extreme environments,” Zhang added. “It also aids in the conservation efforts of these unique species.”
The study revealed a coevolutionary relationship between the deer and their gut microbes, indicating that the gut microbiota have undergone genetic adaptations to support their hosts. These adaptations are linked to improved energy metabolism, which is vital for surviving the plateau’s harsh conditions.
“Our findings highlight the importance of the gut microbiome in the evolution and ecological adaptation of cervids on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,” said Zhang. “This not only advances our understanding of biology but also supports conservation efforts in the region.”
The research has been published in the journal BMC Biology, offering new perspectives on the mechanisms by which gut microbiota help hosts adapt to extreme environments.
