Keystone seabird may face thermoregulatory challenges in a warming Arctic.

ABSTRACT: Climate change affects the Arctic more than any other region, resulting in evolving weather, vanishing sea ice and altered biochemical cycling, which may increase biotic exposure to chemical pollution. We tested thermoregulatory impacts of these changes on the most abundant Arctic seabird, the little auk (Alle alle). This small diving species uses sea ice-habitats for foraging on zooplankton and resting. We equipped eight little auks with 3D accelerometers to monitor behavior, and ingested temperature recorders to measure body temperature (T_b). We also recorded weather conditions, and collected blood to assess mercury (Hg) contamination. There were nonlinear relationships between time engaged in different behaviors and T_b. T_b increased on sea ice, following

SUBMITTER: Grunst ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10550970 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature