Dissertation Research: A Multidimensional Analysis of Geographic Variation in the Plain Titmouse (Parus inornatus)

平原山雀（Parus inornatus）的整体大小各不相同， 喙的大小和颜色在整个西北部的范围 美国参考 目前公认的10种地理类型（美国 鸟类学家联盟，1957年，北美鸟类清单） 基于形态和颜色。 瀑布山脉以西 分布于内华达州山区，该种常见于山麓栎 林地。 西南部和山间地区的密度较低 地区，那里的人口被发现零星在pinyon-juniper 或杜松栖息地。 该项目的目标是整合 形态学、分子生物学和行为学数据 为了阐明模式和过程中的分歧， 人口。 人口结构的差异将使 测试基因流动的替代模型。 假设 关于适应和更新世隔离的作用， 将被评估。 将采用各种现代系统技术， 检查形态和遗传变异的模式， 在Parus inornatus种群中。 迄今为止的结果表明， 太平洋陆坡与 山间种群，在发现之间的顺序 与鸟类关系密切的物种。 变异模式 形态（特别是票据的大小和形状）和颜色支持 基因数据 对基因流的定量估计将有助于 光的过程中的遗传和形态分歧之间 人口。 因为许多鸟类都有类似的模式 太平洋陆坡和山间山脉之间的分歧 这项研究将有助于描绘一幅正在出现的 北美洲西部的鸟类物种形成。 的结果 这项研究可能会导致正式的分类变化， 美国鸟类学家联合会分类和 术语. 基因和/或 形态上不同的种群将提供关键的 为负责保护的管理人员提供信息， 西部松杜或橡树林地的管理 美国的 加州橡树林地的未来 由于发展的压力越来越大， 位于喀斯凯德-谢拉山脉、内华达州和海岸山脉的山麓。

The Plain Titmouse (Parus inornatus) varies in overall size, bill size, and color throughout its range in western North America. Ten geographic forms are currently recognized (American Ornithologists' Union, 1957, Check-list of North American Birds) on the basis of morphology and color. West of the Cascade-Sierra Nevada Mountains, the species occurs commonly in foothill oak woodland. Density is lower in the Southwest and Intermountain Regions, where populations are found patchily in pinyon-juniper or juniper habitat. The goal of this project is to integrate morphologic, molecular, and behavioral data on Parus inornatus in order to elucidate patterns and processes of divergence among populations. Differences in population structure will enable testing of alternative models of gene flow. Hypotheses concerning the role of adaptation and Pleistocene isolation also will be evaluated. A variety of modern systematic techniques will be used to examine patterns of morphologic and genetic variation within and among populations of Parus inornatus. Results to date indicate strong genetic differentiation between Pacific slope and Intermountain populations, on the order of that found between closely related species of birds. Patterns of variation in morphology (especially bill size and shape) and color support the genetic data. A quantitative estimate of gene flow will shed light on the process of genetic and morphologic divergence among populations. Because numerous bird species show similar patterns of divergence between the Pacific slope and Intermountain Regions, this study will contribute to an emerging picture of avian speciation in western North America. The results of this study will likely lead to formal taxonomic changes by the American Ornithologists' Union Committee on Classification and Nomenclature. The identification of genetically and/or morphologically distinct populations will provide critical information for managers concerned with the protection and management of pinyon-juniper or oak woodlands in the western United States. The future of oak woodlands in California is of growing concern because of increasing pressures for development in the foothills of the Cascade-Sierra, Nevada and Coast Ranges.