Hormone-Behavior Adaptations for Breeding at High Latitudes

高纬度环境限制了 候鸟需要适应更短的季节。 环境限制可能已经通过调整 内分泌系统，用于微调繁殖活动，以适应 北极条件 有人提出，极地的内分泌系统 筑巢的鸟类对刺激的敏感性降低， 激素的快速和破坏性的升高， 在不适当的时间进行繁殖或筑巢活动。 两个人的角色 潜在的拮抗激素将被检查：睾丸激素， 和皮质酮，它可以起作用， 禁止生殖活动，包括领土侵略。 的 在这项研究计划中要研究的内分泌适应可能 阐明极地动物避免延迟的生理机制 和/或冲突的行为，这可能会减少成功的机会， 生殖

High-latitude environments impose constraints on breeding activities of migratory birds which necessitate adjustments to a much shorter season. Environmental constraints may have been met by adaptations of the endocrine system which serve to fine-tune breeding activities to suit arctic conditions. It is proposed that the endocrine systems of polar nesting birds display decreased sensitivity to stimuli that would result in rapid and disruptive elevations of hormones which could affect breeding or nesting activities at inappropriate times. The roles of two potentially antagonistic hormones will be examined: testosterone, which elicits territorial aggression; and corticosterone, which can act to inhibit reproductive activities including territorial aggression. The endocrine adaptations to be investigated in this research program may elucidate physiological mechanisms by which polar animals avoid delays and/or conflicting behaviors which might reduce chances for successful reproduction.