Fig. 4

Distributed patterns of lignin biodegradation gene clusters (LDGCs) in the partial MAGs. The left heatmap represents the relative abundance of MAGs with LDGCs at the class level. Log2A represents base 2 logarithm-transformed MAGs as indicated by normalized relative abundance. The right heatmap represents the presence/absence of LDGCs and gene clusters of the dissimilatory sulfate reduction pathway in the MAGs. The displayed MAGs are either among the top six for abundance or carry unique LDGCs. Colors indicate the presence of LDGCs in the corresponding MAGs at the class level, while white grid suggests absence. The LDGCs labeled in red are specific to the L18 consortia. The bottom heatmap represents the relative abundance of MAGs at the species level. The MAGs labeled in red indicate generalists. Significant abundance differences between L6 and L18 consortia are marked with asterisks (p < 0.05)