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。我在实地研究中经常使用实验性的假设检验方法，并结合分子遗传学和/或稳定同位素技术的实验室工作。我们使用树燕和谷燕，这两种燕子的繁殖系统都可以进行实验，以研究繁殖适应。树燕子表现出很高的额外配对亲子(EPP)比率(高达80%的巢)，但高EPP比率的适应基础仍然难以捉摸。我试图确定为什么一些女性参与了EPC，而另一些则不参与。我们将使用树燕子来研究配偶选择的最接近的机制，特别是配偶选择复制，以深入了解额外配对父子关系比率的高度变异性。我们将使用谷仓燕子来检查羽毛和形态测量在驱动配偶选择决定中的作用，并测试关于近亲繁殖的最佳水平(因此是杂合度水平)的假设。我还建议与美洲燕子项目一起，为墨西哥的比较研究奠定基础。由于与同属的蓝翅莺杂交，金翅莺面临灭绝的危险。我们使用遗传分析(AFLP)来确定渗入水平和EPP的速率，以确定其在杂交中的作用。我们还检查与杂交状态有关的栖息地利用模式和巢成功的方面，以确定杂交在种群下降中的作用。北极熊的种群数量急剧下降，但在山脉北部相当密集的种群中，它们的筑巢成功率很高。我们的分子遗传学和稳定同位素工作测试了源-汇假说，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，以确定社会互动和松散的“殖民性”在推动栖息地使用决策方面的作用。

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.