Wind, waves, and wing loading: morphological specialization may limit range expansion of endangered albatrosses.

ABSTRACT: Among the varied adaptations for avian flight, the morphological traits allowing large-bodied albatrosses to capitalize on wind and wave energy for efficient long-distance flight are unparalleled. Consequently, the biogeographic distribution of most albatrosses is limited to the windiest oceanic regions on earth; however, exceptions exist. Species breeding in the North and Central Pacific Ocean (Phoebastria spp.) inhabit regions of lower wind speed and wave height than southern hemisphere genera, and have large intrageneric variation in body size and aerodynamic performance. Here, we test the hypothesis that regional wind and wave regimes explain observed differences in Phoebastria albatross morphology and we compare their aerodynamic performance to representatives from the other three gen

SUBMITTER: Suryan RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2602987 | biostudies-literature | 2008

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature