Adaptation and constraint shape the evolution of growth patterns in passerine birds across the globe.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Growth trajectories should be adapted to selective factors of each species' environment. However, major shaping forces of growth and development are unclear, especially when studying several traits at once. Birds provide an ideal opportunity to analyze growth patterns across species due to there being enough available data. We tested the relative importance of nest predation risk, the number of care-givers, nest height, foraging substrate, clutch size, and latitude on growth patterns of passerine birds (Passeriformes) using phylogenetic comparative methods. Specifically, we studied the evolution of fledging time, average and peak growth rates, and relative development at fledging of body mass and tarsus, wing, and tail length.

Results

Using a comprehensive literat

SUBMITTER: Remes V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7526225 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature