Physiological predictors of reproductive performance in the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris).

ABSTRACT:

Background

It is widely assumed that variation in fitness components has a physiological basis that might underlie selection on trade-offs, but the mechanisms driving decreased survival and future fecundity remain elusive. Here, we assessed whether physiological variables are related to workload ability or immediate fitness consequences and if they mediate future survival or reproductive success. We used data on 13 physiological variables measured in 93 female European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) at two breeding stages (incubation, chick-rearing), for first-and second-broods over two years (152 observations).

Results

There was little co-variation among the physiological variables, either in incubating or chick-rearing birds, but some systematic physiological differen

SUBMITTER: Fowler MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6249724 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature