Sociable Chimps Get Richer Gut Microbiomes

Chimpanzees have a richer gut microbiome when they are more social, suggesting a connection between social behavior and bacterial diversity. This study found that during the rainy season, when chimps are more chummy, they have a greater number of different bacterial species in their guts. This increased diversity may enhance their resistance to infections and could be a result of microbial exchange through social interactions rather than identical diets.