What unexpected material comprised 67% to 70% of the non-plant DNA sequences found in Zokor stomachs?
Answer
Fungi
DNA metabarcoding often reveals material that is incidentally consumed rather than intentionally sought as primary food. In the case of zokors, sequencing results showed a significant presence of Fungi DNA, accounting for approximately 67% to 70% of all non-plant sequences detected. This finding is explained by the fact that zokors predominantly eat plant roots, and consequently, they inevitably ingest associated fungi, such as endophytic fungi or common plant pathological fungi that reside on or within those roots. This is considered an unavoidable byproduct of their subterranean feeding method.
Related Questions
What molecular technique is unlocking secrets about Zokors' diet by analyzing stomach contents?What general feeding type characterizes Zokors, supported by modern molecular studies?Which botanical family demonstrated a 100% Frequency of Occurrence (%FOO) in sampled Zokors?What plant part comprised the largest percentage of the Zokor diet by part, accounting for 54.60%?Which genus showed the highest Frequency of Occurrence at 84% in the Zokor diet analysis?What percentage of the Zokor diet's Relative Abundance (%RA) did the Poaceae (Grass Family) contribute?What unexpected material comprised 67% to 70% of the non-plant DNA sequences found in Zokor stomachs?Which genera did Zokors actively show a positive selection index for, indicating active choice over abundance?How does the Zokor's feeding habit function to potentially slow down the decrease in plant diversity?What unexpected non-plant DNA suggested ingestion of wolf waste encountered during subterranean activity?