Convergent evolution of reduced eggshell conductance in avian brood parasites.

ABSTRACT: Brood parasitism has evolved independently in several bird lineages, giving rise to strikingly similar behavioural adaptations that suggest convergent evolution. By comparison, convergence of physiological traits that optimize this breeding strategy has received much less attention, yet these species share many similar physiological traits that optimize this breeding strategy. Eggshell structure is important for embryonic development as it controls the flux of metabolic gases, such as O₂, CO₂ and H₂O, into and out of the egg; in particular, water vapour conductance ( G_H2O) is an essential process for optimal development of the embryo. Previous work has shown that common cuckoos ( Cuculus canorus) have a lower than expected eggshell G

SUBMITTER: McClelland SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6388047 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature