Trade-offs constrain evolution through genetic linkages and environmental limitations, impacting organismal physiology, morphology, and behavior. They are likely to also play a role in modulating functions of the microbiota, but previous research has not included tests of trade-off theory. Here, we review broadly how gut microbial functions are typically studied and outline evolutionarily-informed mechanisms to improve such research. These include measuring a diverse set of functions, with a focus on changes in host phenotype; more explicitly articulating the selective forces relevant to the microbiota; and using functionally relevant models. We present dietary intervention as a case study where trade-offs are likely to be relevant and discuss how the health effects of the modern human diet could be better understood in light of trade-offs. Appreciating microbial functional trade-offs as well as host trade-offs will be necessary to design effective interventions targeting the microbiota and, more generally, to understand the evolution of host-microbe interactions.

中文翻译：

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将功能折衷纳入肠道菌群的研究。

权衡取舍通过遗传联系和环境限制来限制进化，从而影响有机体的生理，形态和行为。它们也可能在调节微生物群的功能中发挥作用，但是以前的研究并未包括权衡理论的检验。在这里，我们广泛地回顾了通常如何研究肠道微生物功能，并概述了进化知情的机制来改善这种研究。这些措施包括测量多种功能，重点是宿主表型的变化；更明确地阐明与微生物群有关的选择力；并使用功能相关的模型。我们将饮食干预作为一个案例研究，在该案例中可能需要权衡取舍，并讨论如何根据权衡取舍更好地理解现代人类饮食对健康的影响。