Assessment of seasonal variation of diet composition in rodents using DNA barcoding and Real-Time PCR.

摘要: The study of animal diet and feeding behaviour is a fundamental tool for the illustration ecological role species in ecosystem. However, size quality food intake samples make it hard researchers to describe composition many small species. In our study, we exploited genomic tools analysis Savi’s pine vole (Microtus savii) using DNA barcoding qPCR techniques identification ingested plant retrieved from stomach contents. contrast with previous studies, found that, despite being fossorial species, selective feeder that undergoes intense superficial activity search food. addition, shows priori knowledge candidate included diet, powerful assess presence/absence, frequency occurrence electivity We conclude this approach offers new opportunities implement selection animals, thereby revealing detailed picture plant-animal interactions.