Physiological Adaptation and Phylogenetic Constraints on Reproduction in Antarctic Birds

许多南极鸟类的成虫都有形态学特征， 对寒冷的生理和行为适应 环境 然而，目前还不知道成年人和小鸡是如何 适应，使成功的小鸡生存和生长下， 南极条件。 面临的体温调节问题 雏鸟由于其不成熟的生理结构而体型巨大， 体积小、绝缘性差和缺乏流动性。 的 恒温动物的发育是个体发育过程中的一个重要事件 它深刻地影响了能量学， 父母的繁衍。 班尼特将调查 小鸡的体温调节主要受 成年人和小鸡的行为或生理能力， 正在发育的幼鸟，使用三种charadriiform鸟类 (Kelp海鸥、南极贼鸥和大鞘嘴鸥）。 这些鸟 独立殖民南极洲，因此在生态上 收敛的 海藻鸥的活动范围延伸到低纬度地区， 从而能够在物种内部和物种之间进行比较。 的相对能量成本和生存影响 不同的行为策略（包括筑巢， 觅食模式和育雏行为）和生理 适应（包括休息和最大耗氧量， 电导，颤抖能力和酶活性， 骨骼肌）进行评估。 这项研究将形成一个 发展演变的更大研究的关键部分 对生态压力的反应。

The adults of many species of Antarctic birds show morphological, physiological and behavioral adaptations to their cold environment. However, it is not known how adults and chicks have adapted to enable successful chick survival and growth under Antarctic conditions. The thermoregulatory problems facing nestling birds are tremendous due to their immature physiology, small size, poor insulation and lack of mobility. The development of endothermy is a crucial event during the ontogeny of young birds, and it profoundly impacts the energetics and reproduction of their parents. Bennett will investigate whether thermoregulation of young chicks is primarily influenced by behavior of adults and chicks or the physiological capacity of the developing young, using three charadriiform bird species (Kelp Gull, Antarctic Skua, and Greater Sheathbill). These birds independently colonized Antarctica and are hence ecologically convergent. The Kelp Gull range extends to lower latitudes, enabling comparisons to be made both within and between species. The relative energetic costs and survival implications of different behavioral strategies (including nest construction, foraging patterns and brooding behavior) and physiological adaptations (including resting and maximal oxygen consumption, conductance, shivering capacity, and enzymatic activity in skeletal muscles) will be assessed. This study will form a critical part of a larger study of the evolution of development in charadriiform birds in response to ecological pressures.