1
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Barratt A, Turbill C. Nightly reductions in body temperature and effect of transmitter attachment method in free-living welcome swallows (Hirundoneoxena). J Therm Biol 2024; 120:103792. [PMID: 38403496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Small birds and mammals face similar energetic challenges, yet use of torpor to conserve energy while resting is considered less common among birds, especially within the most specious order Passeriformes. We conducted the first study to record the natural thermoregulatory physiology of any species from the family Hirundinidae, which we predicted would use torpor because of their specialised foraging by aerial pursuit of flying insects, that are less active during cold or windy weather. We used temperature telemetry on wild-living welcome swallows (Hirundo neoxena, 13 to 17 g) and found that skin temperature declined during nightly resting by an average by 5 °C, from daytime minima of 41.0 ± 0.8 °C to nightly minima of 36.3 ± 0.8 °C, and by a maximum of 8 °C to a minimum recorded skin temperature of 32.0 °C. The extent of reduction in skin temperature was greater on cold nights and following windy daytime (foraging) periods. Further, we found that transmitters glued directly to the skin between feather tracts (i.e., an apterium) provided a less variable and probably also more accurate reflection of body temperature than transmitters applied over closely trimmed feathers. A moderate decrease in skin temperature, equivalent to shallow torpor, would provide energy savings during rest. Yet, deeper torpor was not observed, despite a period of extreme rainfall that presumedly decreased foraging success. Further studies are needed to understand the resting thermoregulatory energetics of swallows under different environmental conditions. We advocate the importance of measuring thermal biology in wild-living birds to increase our knowledge of the physiology and ecological importance of torpor among passerine birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Barratt
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia.
| | - Christopher Turbill
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia; School of Science, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury campus, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia.
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2
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Tang ZS, Li JJ, Zhu WJ, Ai BQ. Collective self-optimization of binary mixed heterogeneous populations. Phys Rev E 2024; 109:024405. [PMID: 38491669 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.109.024405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
To maximize the survival chances of society members, collective self-organization must balance individual interests with promoting the collective welfare. Although situations where group members have equal optimal values are clear, how varying optimal values impacts group dynamics remains unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a self-optimization study of a binary system incorporating communication-enabled active particles with distinct optimal values. We demonstrate that similar particles will spontaneously aggregate and separate from each other to maximize their individual benefits during the process of self-optimization. Our research shows that both types of particles can produce the optimal field values at low density. However, only one type of particle can achieve the optimal field values at medium density. At high densities, neither type of particle is effective in reaching the optimal field values. Interestingly, we observed that during the self-optimization process, the mixture demixed spontaneously under certain circumstances of mixed particles. Particles with higher optimal values developed into larger clusters, while particles with lower optimal values migrated outside of these clusters, resulting in the separation of the mixture. To achieve this separation, suitable noise intensity, particle density, and the significant difference in optimal values were necessary. Our results provide a more profound comprehension of the self-optimization of synthetic or biological agents' communication and provide valuable insight into separating binary species and mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Sha Tang
- Key Laboratory of Atomic and Subatomic Structure and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Structure and Fundamental Interactions of Matter, School of Physics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jia-Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Atomic and Subatomic Structure and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Structure and Fundamental Interactions of Matter, School of Physics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wei-Jing Zhu
- School of Photoelectric Engineering, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Guangzhou 510665, China
| | - Bao-Quan Ai
- Key Laboratory of Atomic and Subatomic Structure and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Structure and Fundamental Interactions of Matter, School of Physics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, and Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Quantum Matter, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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3
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Grunst ML, Grunst AS, Grémillet D, Fort J. Combined threats of climate change and contaminant exposure through the lens of bioenergetics. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:5139-5168. [PMID: 37381110 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Organisms face energetic challenges of climate change in combination with suites of natural and anthropogenic stressors. In particular, chemical contaminant exposure has neurotoxic, endocrine-disrupting, and behavioral effects which may additively or interactively combine with challenges associated with climate change. We used a literature review across animal taxa and contaminant classes, but focused on Arctic endotherms and contaminants important in Arctic ecosystems, to demonstrate potential for interactive effects across five bioenergetic domains: (1) energy supply, (2) energy demand, (3) energy storage, (4) energy allocation tradeoffs, and (5) energy management strategies; and involving four climate change-sensitive environmental stressors: changes in resource availability, temperature, predation risk, and parasitism. Identified examples included relatively equal numbers of synergistic and antagonistic interactions. Synergies are often suggested to be particularly problematic, since they magnify biological effects. However, we emphasize that antagonistic effects on bioenergetic traits can be equally problematic, since they can reflect dampening of beneficial responses and result in negative synergistic effects on fitness. Our review also highlights that empirical demonstrations remain limited, especially in endotherms. Elucidating the nature of climate change-by-contaminant interactive effects on bioenergetic traits will build toward determining overall outcomes for energy balance and fitness. Progressing to determine critical species, life stages, and target areas in which transformative effects arise will aid in forecasting broad-scale bioenergetic outcomes under global change scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Grunst
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - Andrea S Grunst
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - David Grémillet
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
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4
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Relative Water Economy Is a Useful Index of Aridity Tolerance for Australian Poephiline Finches. BIRDS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/birds3020012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluate if the iconic Australian Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) has a unique physiology or if its metabolic, thermal and hygric physiology are similar to other Australian poephiline finches, by comparing it with three other species, the arid-habitat Painted Finch (Emblema pictum) and the mesic-habitat Double-barred (Taeniopygia bichenovii) and Red-browed (Neochmia temporalis) Finches. All physiological variables responded to ambient temperature as expected. There were no species differences for any of the standard physiological variables, consistent with the hypotheses that birds are pre-adapted to arid habitats, the recent development of Australian deserts has limited opportunity for physiological adaptation, and all four species share similar behavioural and ecological traits. Nevertheless, the ambient temperature where metabolic water production equals evaporative water loss (point of relative water economy) was highest for the Zebra (19.1 °C), lower for Double-barred (16.4 °C) and Painted (15.2 °C) and lowest for Red-Browed (4.1 °C) Finches, corresponding with their general patterns of habitat aridity. The point of relative water economy may be a sensitive index for assessing a species’ tolerance of aridity because it integrates individual physiological variables. We conclude that the Zebra Finch is not a physiological outlier amongst Australian finches, but is at the end of a continuum of aridity tolerance for the four study species.
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Zampetaki AV, Liebchen B, Ivlev AV, Löwen H. Collective self-optimization of communicating active particles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2111142118. [PMID: 34853169 PMCID: PMC8670500 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2111142118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The quest for how to collectively self-organize in order to maximize the survival chances of the members of a social group requires finding an optimal compromise between maximizing the well-being of an individual and that of the group. Here we develop a minimal model describing active individuals which consume or produce, and respond to a shared resource-such as the oxygen concentration for aerotactic bacteria or the temperature field for penguins-while urging for an optimal resource value. Notably, this model can be approximated by an attraction-repulsion model, but, in general, it features many-body interactions. While the former prevents some individuals from closely approaching the optimal value of the shared "resource field," the collective many-body interactions induce aperiodic patterns, allowing the group to collectively self-optimize. Arguably, the proposed optimal field-based collective interactions represent a generic concept at the interface of active matter physics, collective behavior, and microbiological chemotaxis. This concept might serve as a useful ingredient to optimize ensembles of synthetic active agents or to help unveil aspects of the communication rules which certain social groups use to maximize their survival chances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Zampetaki
- Center for Astrochemical Studies, Max-Planck-Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik, 85741 Garching, Germany
- Institut für Theoretische Physik II, Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Benno Liebchen
- Institute of Condensed Matter Physics, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Alexei V Ivlev
- Center for Astrochemical Studies, Max-Planck-Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik, 85741 Garching, Germany
| | - Hartmut Löwen
- Institut für Theoretische Physik II, Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Social thermoregulation in Mediterranean greater white-toothed shrews (Crocidura russula). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-03072-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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7
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Xu JH, Wang Z, Mou JJ, Wang CL, Huang WM, Xue HL, Wu M, Chen L, Xu LX. Up-Regulation of Glycogen Synthesis and Degradation Enzyme Level Maintained Myocardial Glycogen in Huddling Brandt's Voles Under Cool Environments. Front Physiol 2021; 12:593129. [PMID: 33841168 PMCID: PMC8033036 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.593129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small mammals exhibit limited glucose use and glycogen accumulation during hypothermia. Huddling is a highly evolved cooperative behavioral strategy in social mammals, allowing adaptation to environmental cooling. However, it is not clear whether this behavior affects the utilization of glycogen in cold environments. Here, we studied the effects of huddling on myocardial glycogen content in Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) under a mild cold environment (15°C). Results showed that (1) Compared to the control (22°C) group (CON), the number of glycogenosomes more than tripled in the cool separated group (CS) in both males and females; whereas the number of glycogenosomes increased in females but was maintained in males in the cool huddling group (CH). (2) Glycogen synthase (GS) activity in the CS group remained unchanged, whereas glycogen phosphorylase (GYPL) activity decreased, which mediated the accumulation of glycogen content of the CS group. (3) Both GS and GYPL activity increased which may contribute to the stability of glycogen content in CH group. (4) The expression levels of glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT4 increased in the CS group, accompanied by an increase in glucose metabolism. These results indicate that the reduced glycogen degradation enzyme level and enhanced glucose transport may lead to an increase in myocardial glycogen content of the separated voles under cool environment; while the up-regulation of glycogen synthesis and degradation enzyme level maintained myocardial glycogen content in the huddling vole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hui Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Jun-Jie Mou
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Chuan-Li Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Wei-Mei Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Hui-Liang Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Ming Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Lai-Xiang Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
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8
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Wang Z, Xu JH, Mou JJ, Kong XT, Zou JW, Xue HL, Wu M, Xu LX. Novel ultrastructural findings on cardiac mitochondria of huddling Brandt's voles in mild cold environment. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 249:110766. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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9
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Cooper CE, Withers PC, Körtner G, Geiser F. Does control of insensible evaporative water loss by two species of mesic parrot have a thermoregulatory role? J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb229930. [PMID: 32747451 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.229930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Insensible evaporative water loss (EWL) at or below thermoneutrality is generally assumed to be a passive physical process. However, some arid zone mammals and a single arid zone bird can control their insensible water loss, so we tested the hypothesis that the same is the case for two parrot species from a mesic habitat. We investigated red-rumped parrots (Psephotus haematonotus) and eastern rosellas (Platycercus eximius), measuring their EWL, and other physiological variables, at a range of relative humidities at ambient temperatures of 20 and 30°C (below and at thermoneutrality). We found that, despite a decrease in EWL with increasing relative humidity, rates of EWL were not fully accounted for by the water vapour deficit between the animal and its environment, indicating that the insensible EWL of both parrots was controlled. It is unlikely that this deviation from physical expectations was regulation with a primary role for water conservation because our mesic-habitat parrots had equivalent regulatory ability as the arid habitat budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus). This, together with our observations of body temperature and metabolic rate, instead support the hypothesis that acute physiological control of insensible water loss serves a thermoregulatory purpose for endotherms. Modification of both cutaneous and respiratory avenues of evaporation may be involved, possibly via modification of expired air temperature and humidity, and surface resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Elizabeth Cooper
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Behavioural and Physiology Ecology, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Philip Carew Withers
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Behavioural and Physiology Ecology, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Gerhard Körtner
- Centre for Behavioural and Physiology Ecology, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Fritz Geiser
- Centre for Behavioural and Physiology Ecology, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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10
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Geiser F, Willis CKR, Brigham RM. No evidence for hibernation in rockwrens. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb229518. [PMID: 32788270 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.229518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fritz Geiser
- Centre for Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Zoology CO2, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Craig K R Willis
- Department of Biology and Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada, MB R3B 2E9
| | - R Mark Brigham
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Canada, SK S4S 0A2
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11
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Stager M, Senner NR, Tobalske BW, Cheviron ZA. Body temperature maintenance acclimates in a winter-tenacious songbird. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb221853. [PMID: 32376710 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.221853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Flexibility in heat generation and dissipation mechanisms provides endotherms the ability to match their thermoregulatory strategy with external demands. However, the degree to which these two mechanisms account for seasonal changes in body temperature regulation is little explored. Here, we present novel data on the regulation of avian body temperature to investigate how birds alter mechanisms of heat production and heat conservation to deal with variation in ambient conditions. We subjected dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) to chronic cold acclimations of varying duration and subsequently quantified their metabolic rates, thermal conductance and ability to maintain normothermia. Cold-acclimated birds adjusted traits related to both heat generation (increased summit metabolic rate) and heat conservation (decreased conductance) to improve their body temperature regulation. Increases in summit metabolic rate occurred rapidly, but plateaued after 1 week of cold exposure. In contrast, changes to conductance occurred only after 9 weeks of cold exposure. Thus, the ability to maintain body temperature continued to improve throughout the experiment, but the mechanisms underlying this improvement changed through time. Our results demonstrate the ability of birds to adjust thermoregulatory strategies in response to thermal cues and reveal that birds may combine multiple responses to meet the specific demands of their environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stager
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Nathan R Senner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Bret W Tobalske
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Zachary A Cheviron
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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12
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McNab BK, Weston KA. Does the New Zealand rockwren ( Xenicus gilviventris) hibernate? J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb212126. [PMID: 32291323 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.212126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we examined the thermal physiology of the endangered New Zealand rockwren (Xenicus gilviventris), a member of the Acanthisittidae, a family unique to New Zealand. This family, derived from Gondwana, is thought to be the sister taxon to all other passerines. Rockwrens permanently reside above the climatic timberline at altitudes from 1000 to 2900 m in the mountains of South Island. They feed on invertebrates and in winter face ambient temperatures far below freezing and deep deposits of snow. Their body temperature and rate of metabolism are highly variable. The rockwrens in our study regulated their body temperature at ca. 36.4°C, which in one individual decreased to 33.1°C at an ambient temperature of 9.4°C; its rate of metabolism decreased by 30% and its body temperature then spontaneously returned to 36°C. The rate of metabolism in a second individual twice decreased by 35%, nearly to the basal rate expected from its mass without a decrease in body temperature. The New Zealand rockwren's food habits, entrance into torpor and continuous residence in a thermally demanding environment suggest that it may hibernate. However, for that conclusion to be accepted, evidence of its use of torpor for extended periods is required. Acanthisittids are distinguished from other passerines by the combination of their permanent temperate distribution, thermal flexibility and a propensity to evolve a flightless condition. These characteristics may principally reflect their geographical isolation in a temperate environment isolated from Gondwana for 82 million years in the absence of mammalian predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K McNab
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kerry A Weston
- Biodiversity Group, Department of Conservation, Private Bag 4715, Christchurch Mail Centre, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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13
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Romano AB, Hunt A, Welbergen JA, Turbill C. Nocturnal torpor by superb fairy-wrens: a key mechanism for reducing winter daily energy expenditure. Biol Lett 2019; 15:20190211. [PMID: 31238856 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many passerine birds are small and require a high mass-specific rate of resting energy expenditure, especially in the cold. The energetics of thermoregulation is, therefore, an important aspect of their ecology, yet few studies have quantified thermoregulatory patterns in wild passerines. We used miniature telemetry to record the skin temperature ( Tskin) of free-living superb fairy-wrens ( Malurus cyaneus, 8.6 g; n = 6 birds over N = 7-22 days) and determine the importance of controlled reductions in body temperature during resting to their winter energy budgets. Fairy-wrens routinely exhibited large daily fluctuations in Tskin between maxima of 41.9 ± 0.6°C and minima of 30.4 ± 0.7°C, with overall individual minima of 27.4 ± 1.1°C (maximum daily range: 14.7 ± 0.9°C). These results provide strong evidence of nocturnal torpor in this small passerine, which we calculated to provide a 42% reduction in resting metabolic rate at a Ta of 5°C compared to active-phase Tskin. A capacity for energy-saving torpor has important consequences for understanding the behaviour and life-history ecology of superb fairy-wrens. Moreover, our novel field data suggest that torpor could be more widespread and important than previously thought within passerines, the most diverse order of birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex B Romano
- 1 Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University , Richmond, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Anthony Hunt
- 2 Australian Bird Study Association , 16 Alderson Ave, North Rocks, New South Wales 2151 , Australia
| | - Justin A Welbergen
- 1 Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University , Richmond, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Christopher Turbill
- 1 Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University , Richmond, New South Wales , Australia
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14
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Frequent nocturnal torpor in a free-ranging Australian honeyeater, the noisy miner. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2019; 106:28. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-019-1626-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Winger BM, Auteri GG, Pegan TM, Weeks BC. A long winter for the Red Queen: rethinking the evolution of seasonal migration. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 94:737-752. [PMID: 30393938 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This paper advances an hypothesis that the primary adaptive driver of seasonal migration is maintenance of site fidelity to familiar breeding locations. We argue that seasonal migration is therefore principally an adaptation for geographic persistence when confronted with seasonality - analogous to hibernation, freeze tolerance, or other organismal adaptations to cyclically fluctuating environments. These ideas stand in contrast to traditional views that bird migration evolved as an adaptive dispersal strategy for exploiting new breeding areas and avoiding competitors. Our synthesis is supported by a large body of research on avian breeding biology that demonstrates the reproductive benefits of breeding-site fidelity. Conceptualizing migration as an adaptation for persistence places new emphasis on understanding the evolutionary trade-offs between migratory behaviour and other adaptations to fluctuating environments both within and across species. Seasonality-induced departures from breeding areas, coupled with the reproductive benefits of maintaining breeding-site fidelity, also provide a mechanism for explaining the evolution of migration that is agnostic to the geographic origin of migratory lineages (i.e. temperate or tropical). Thus, our framework reconciles much of the conflict in previous research on the historical biogeography of migratory species. Although migratory behaviour and geographic range change fluidly and rapidly in many populations, we argue that the loss of plasticity for migration via canalization is an overlooked aspect of the evolutionary dynamics of migration and helps explain the idiosyncratic distributions and migratory routes of long-distance migrants. Our synthesis, which revolves around the insight that migratory organisms travel long distances simply to stay in the same place, provides a necessary evolutionary context for understanding historical biogeographic patterns in migratory lineages as well as the ecological dynamics of migratory connectivity between breeding and non-breeding locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Winger
- Museum of Zoology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A
| | - Giorgia G Auteri
- Museum of Zoology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A
| | - Teresa M Pegan
- Museum of Zoology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A
| | - Brian C Weeks
- Museum of Zoology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A
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16
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Gardner JL, Rowley E, de Rebeira P, de Rebeira A, Brouwer L. Associations between changing climate and body condition over decades in two southern hemisphere passerine birds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s40665-018-0038-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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17
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Knight K. Chilly white-browed babblers huddle to avoid torpor. J Exp Biol 2017; 220:1164. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.159202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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