Warm temperatures disrupt sex-changing bacteria in dwarf spiders, leading to a comeback of male offspring across generations

phys.org

Warm temperatures disrupt spider sex-changing bacteria, causing a comeback of male offspring in subsequent generations. The heat exposure scrambles the spiders' internal bacteria, allowing a rival bacterium to suppress the feminizing bacteria. This effect is delayed, impacting children and grandchildren. This phenomenon highlights how environmental changes can alter microbial communities and influence host reproduction across generations.


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Warm temperatures disrupt sex-changing bacteria in dwarf spiders, leading to a comeback of male offspring across generations | News Minimalist