Selective factors, evolution of breeding strategies and conservation biology of birds

我的研究确定并解释了鸟类繁殖的适应性，并开发了鸟类保护的方法。我在实地研究中采用实验、假设检验的方法，通常结合实验室工作，使用分子遗传学和/或稳定同位素技术。我们使用树燕和家燕，它们都有适合实验的繁殖系统，来研究繁殖适应性。树燕表现出高的额外对父权（EPP）率（高达80%的巢），然而高EPP率的适应性基础仍然难以捉摸。我试图确定为什么有些女性会参与epc，而有些则不会。我们将使用树燕来研究配偶选择的近似机制，特别是配偶选择复制，以深入了解额外配对父权率的高变异性。我们将用家燕来研究羽毛和形态在驱动配偶选择决策中的作用，并检验关于最佳近交水平（以及杂合度水平）的假设。我还建议与美洲燕子项目一起，在墨西哥建立比较研究的基础。金翅林莺由于与同类蓝翅林莺杂交而面临灭绝的危险。我们使用遗传分析（aflp）来确定渗入水平，并确定EPP的比率，以确定其在杂交中的作用。我们还研究了栖息地使用模式和与杂交状态相关的巢成功方面，以确定杂交在种群下降中的作用。蓝莺的数量急剧下降，但在北部地区，相当密集的种群筑巢成功率很高。我们的分子遗传学和稳定同位素工作测试了源库假设，显示了一些定向基因流动的证据。进一步的工作将集中在与栖息地相关的繁殖种群的分散上，以确定社会互动和松散的“殖民性”在推动栖息地使用决策中的作用。

My research identifies and explains adaptations for breeding in birds, and develops approaches for conservation of birds. I use an experimental, hypothesis testing approach in field studies often coupled with laboratory work with either molecular genetics and/or stable isotope techniques      We use Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows, both with breeding systems that are amenable to experimentation, to study breeding adaptations. Tree Swallows show high rates of extra-pair paternity (EPP) (up to 80% of nests), yet the adaptive basis for high rates of EPP remains elusive. I seek to determine why some females engage in epc's and others do not. We will use Tree Swallows to examine proximate mechanisms of mate choice, especially mate choice copying, to develop insights into the high variability in rates of extra-pair paternity.   We will use Barn Swallows to examine the role of plumage and morphometry in driving mate choice decisions and to test hypotheses regarding optimum levels of inbreeding (and hence levels of heterozygosity).  I also propose establishing groundwork for comparative studies in Mexico, in conjunction with the Swallows of the Americas project.      Golden-winged Warblers face potential extinction due to hybridization with congeneric Blue-winged Warblers. We use genetic analysis (AFLPs) to determine levels of introgression and determine rates of EPP to establish its role in hybridization.  We also examine habitat use patterns and aspects of nest success in relation to hybrid status to determine the role of hybridization in population declines.     Cerulean Warbler populations have declined dramatically, yet in the northern parts of the range fairly dense populations enjoy high nesting success. Our molecular genetics and stable isotope work testing  source-sink hypotheses shows some evidence of directional gene flow. Further work will focus on dispersion of breeding populations in relation to habitat to determine the role of social interactions and loose 'coloniality' in driving habitat use decisions.