5 ms·

So what's the quid pro quo? What do birds and bats loose (apart from weight) by having reduced gut microbiomes?

• thaumasiotes 7y ago
  Why does there need to be a loss other than weight? Weight loss is a serious negative effect.
  • BurningFrog 7y ago
    If you fly by your own muscles, weight loss is a serious positive effect!
    • thaumasiotes 7y ago
      Sure, it's a positive effect on your ability to fly. But if you do anything other than flying, it will affect those things too. It's terrible for your ability to recover from injuries.
  • jajag 7y ago
    Gut bacteria have beneficial effects, such as the ability to break down foods which would otherwise remain indigestible. If birds and bats have reduced gut microbiomes then it suggests they have a reduced ability to digest certain foodstuffs. Also: the weight loss referred to is the reduction in gut bacteria mass.