Differences in bacterial diversity and abundance between nest components.

Differences between the four nest components in 1) diversity of OTUs per sample using ARISA and 2) abundance of bacteria per sample quantified using culturing techniques. Data are presented as predicted means ± standard error. Cultured bacteria abundance means were calculated using log10 transformed data. Proportions of haemolytic bacteria are stated as percentage. “Preincubation” and “Incubated” indicate eggs sampled before and during the incubation period, respectively. Generalised linear mixed models were used due to the non-independence of samples collected from the same nest.Differences in bacterial diversity and abundance between nest components.