Effect of endocrine disrupting chemicals on avian life cycles

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Recently, concern has focused on the potential effects on the endocrine system from a range of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) - synthetic and natural chemicals that disrupt normal hormonal function. While most studies on EDCs to date have focused on physiological changes in animals associated with reproductive hormones, I plan to extend this work to look at ecological effects that are central to an animal's life cycle - their ability to respond to environmental, physical and social cues that are essential to survival and population stability. Timing of exposure particularly during early development may affect the behaviours which control migration, reproduction and their ability to cope with other environmental stressors- all of which are closely regulated by hormones. Through the use of captive laboratory studies on model passerines, I will use thyroid, vitellogenin and stress hormone measurements in combination with observable changes in migratory and reproductive behaviour to evaluate effects of EDCs to birds exposed during different life stages (embryo, post-hatch and adult). Using both field and captive lab studies, I will assess key endpoints that are critical to the animal's life cycle that are also dependent on hormonal controls such as impacts on reproductive capability and breeding behaviour as well as timing and regulation of migration (orientation, navigation, fattening). Further studies will evaluate how exposed birds respond to additional natural stressors such as shortages of food supply but also fluctuations in temperature or storm events associated with climate change. Both industry and regulators will directly benefit from this work as it provides key information on how this class of environmental pollutants found globally are potentially affecting wildlife populations, not just in terms of their physiology but also with respect to the ecology and viability of populations. Furthermore, since birds and humans share similar patterns of exposure to EDC contaminants, any effects on cognition and learning will have applications for human health.