Laying sequence interacts with incubation temperature to influence rate of embryonic development and hatching synchrony in a precocial bird.

ABSTRACT: Incubation starts during egg laying for many bird species and causes developmental asynchrony within clutches. Faster development of late-laid eggs can help reduce developmental differences and synchronize hatching, which is important for precocial species whose young must leave the nest soon after hatching. In this study, we examined the effect of egg laying sequence on length of the incubation period in Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa). Because incubation temperature strongly influences embryonic development rates, we tested the interactive effects of laying sequence and incubation temperature on the ability of late-laid eggs to accelerate development and synchronize hatching. We also examined the potential cost of faster development on duckling body condition. Fresh eggs were collected and incub

SUBMITTER: Hepp GR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5786303 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature