The role of the environment in the evolution of nest shape in Australian passerines.

ABSTRACT: Avian nests present great variation in structure but, after excluding cavity nesters, probably the most obvious difference is that between open and domed nests. Some species lay their eggs in open structures, exposed to environmental variables, while other species build domed, enclosed nests with a roof, which are suggested to protect eggs and nestlings from weather conditions, high radiation levels, and predation. To date it is unclear which variables drove the evolution of different nest types. In this study, environmental and nest type information was extracted for continental Australian passerines, showing that species with open and closed nests are distributed in similar climates. However, species with open nests have larger ranges and are distributed in a wider variety of climatic co

SUBMITTER: Medina I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6447541 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature