High levels of fiber and toxins in leaves make gut microbial fermentative activity essential to howler nutrition, and based on studies with other mammals, it is possible that differences in gut microbial community composition allow groups of howlers in different habitats to take advantage of distinct resources to fuel the same activities. (jcvi.org)
To investigate variation in gut microbial community composition within a species, we collected fecal samples from five groups of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in Mexico over an eight - week period (May - July 2009). (jcvi.org)
These infections disrupt healthy gut microbial communities and harm metabolism and immune system function, worsening malnutrition and impairing children's growth and development. (sciencedaily.com)