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，并开发了保护鸟类的方法。我在实地研究中使用实验性的假设检验方法，通常与分子遗传学和/或稳定同位素技术的实验室工作相结合。 我们使用树燕和家燕，都与繁殖系统，是服从实验，研究育种适应。树燕表现出很高的额外配对亲子关系（EPP）率（高达80%的巢），但EPP率高的适应基础仍然难以捉摸。我试图确定为什么有些女性参与epc，而另一些则没有。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亲子关系的高变异率。 我们将使用家燕来研究羽毛和形态测量学在驱动配偶选择决策中的作用，并测试关于近亲繁殖的最佳水平（以及杂合性水平）的假设。 我还建议结合美洲燕子项目，为墨西哥的比较研究奠定基础。 由于与同属的蓝翅莺杂交，金翅莺面临着灭绝的危险。我们使用遗传分析（AFLP）来确定渗入水平和确定EPP的比率，以确定其在杂交中的作用。 我们还研究了栖息地的使用模式和方面的巢成功的杂交状态，以确定杂交在人口下降的作用。 蓝柳莺的数量急剧下降，但在北方的范围相当密集的人口享受高筑巢成功。我们的分子遗传学和稳定同位素工作测试源库假说显示了定向基因流的一些证据。进一步的工作将集中在繁殖种群的分散与栖息地，以确定社会互动和松散的“殖民性”在推动栖息地使用决策的作用。

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.