The relation of hematocrit levels and local environment: Inter- and intra-population differences in altricial nestlings of a bird species breeding in climatic extremes

Churchill, Joseph Eric (2020) The relation of hematocrit levels and local environment: Inter- and intra-population differences in altricial nestlings of a bird species breeding in climatic extremes. Master's Research Project 2, Ecology and Evolution.

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Abstract

Hematocrit is commonly used as a proxy of body fitness to indicate nestling health. Temperature, habitat quality and body size are known to influence nestling hematocrit. Hematocrit is influenced by several factors, but temperature is generally agreed as the key driver. However, it is unclear at what point in nestling development is temperature most important for determining nestling hematocrit. We investigated nestling hematocrit in thorn-tailed rayadito nestlings (Aphrastura spinicauda) alongside body size, habitat quality and temperature in one warm and one cold location in Chile, South America. This study aims to identify when in nestling development can temperature determine nestling hematocrit before fledging. We find that the ambient temperature around the day of hatching is important in determining nestling hematocrit close to fledging, which may have consequences in post-fledging survival. We also confirmed that temperature is the best predictor of nestling hematocrit in a strong negative relationship. Our results suggest that high temperatures on the day of hatching will result in lower nestling hematocrit and poorer health in fledglings. As atmospheric temperatures continue to increase from global warming, nestling hematocrit and nestling health are at risk. This is a threat to many bird species, especially those in locations vulnerable to climate breakdown.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master's Research Project 2)
Supervisor name:	Birker, M.L.M. and Komdeur, J.
Degree programme:	Ecology and Evolution
Thesis type:	Master's Research Project 2
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	10 Jul 2020 11:11
Last Modified:	10 Jul 2020 11:11
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/22538

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