The Holobiont Imperative

Exploring the intricate relationships between animals and bacteria, this book reveals how these interactions reshape our understanding of animal biology. It argues that organisms, from simple invertebrates to humans, are complex communities formed through extensive evolutionary partnerships. The hologenome theory of evolution is introduced, suggesting that these microbial associations are crucial for understanding both evolution and environmental diseases, impacting fields such as immunobiology and microbiology. The content is aimed at scientists and those interested in evolutionary medicine.