Publications by authors named "F Dedeine"

Article Synopsis
  • - The classification of termites, particularly the diverse Neoisoptera group, needs significant updates due to many incorrectly grouped taxa; researchers propose a new classification based on genomic analyses.
  • - The study identifies seven monophyletic family lineages within Neoisoptera and 18 subfamily lineages in the species-rich Termitidae, including several new subfamilies and the revival of some older ones.
  • - The new classification method is built on clear monophyletic lineages, which enhances its stability and adaptability for future studies, allowing it to incorporate yet-to-be-discovered species easily.
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Over the last decade, we have observed in microbial ecology a transition from gene-centric to genome-centric analyses. Indeed, the advent of metagenomics combined with binning methods, single-cell genome sequencing as well as high-throughput cultivation methods have contributed to the continuing and exponential increase of available prokaryotic genomes, which in turn has favored the exploration of microbial metabolisms. In the case of metagenomics, data processing, from raw reads to genome reconstruction, involves various steps and software which can represent a major technical obstacle.

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Article Synopsis
  • Invasive species often carry limited genetic diversity from their native populations due to factors like founder events, which can affect their ability to adapt and thrive in new environments.
  • The study analyzes the genetic diversity of the invasive termite species Reticulitermes flavipes, comparing data from native and introduced populations across the globe to understand its invasion history.
  • Findings indicate a complex invasion process featuring numerous introduction events, with substantial gene flow likely facilitated by human activity, suggesting that increased genetic diversity in both native and introduced ranges may enhance invasion success.
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The microbes residing within the gut of an animal host often increase their own fitness by modifying their host's physiological, reproductive and behavioural functions. Whereas recent studies suggest that they may also shape host sociality and therefore have critical effects on animal social evolution, the impact of the gut microbiota on maternal care remains unexplored. This is surprising, as this behaviour is widespread among animals, often determines the fitness of both juveniles and parents, and is essential in the evolution of complex animal societies.

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Although mutualistic associations between animals and microbial symbionts are widespread in nature, the mechanisms that have promoted their evolutionary persistence remain poorly understood. A vertical mode of symbiont transmission (from parents to offspring) is thought to ensure partner fidelity and stabilization, although the efficiency of vertical transmission has rarely been investigated, especially in cases where hosts harbour a diverse microbial community. Here we evaluated vertical transmission rates of cellulolytic gut oxymonad and parabasalid protists in the wood-feeding termite Reticulitermes grassei.

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