Bacteria and archaea play crucial roles in elk rumens by enzymatically degrading plant compounds and producing vitamins and metabolites that are used by the host. Without such microbial life, elk would not be able to digest the plants they depend upon for sustenance. Bacteria inventory of elk feces, and their diversity patterns throughout the year will be determined.  This will be the first study that includes repeated sampling of wild animals.

Principal Investigator

PI Name:  Dr. Sean O'Connell

PI Organization:  Western Carolina University