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Daily energy expenditure of male barn swallows correlates with tail-streamer length: handicap-mediated foraging strategies.

ABSTRACT: Daily energy expenditure (DEE) of male barn swallows (Hirundo rustica), measured using the doubly labelled water technique, correlated with streamer length. Contrary to predictions derived from previous findings, neither a positive linear nor a u-shaped relationship was found between DEE and streamer length. Instead, an n-shaped curve showed that the highest DEE corresponded to an intermediate streamer length of 119 mm. A model incorporating estimates of resting metabolism and flight energy expenditure from aerodynamics models suggested that variation in individual tail dynamics was the most likely explanation for the observed DEE. We suggest that streamer length is coupled to foraging strategy, because tail dynamics control flight performance, which in turn influences flight behaviour.

SUBMITTER: Nudds RL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1810008 | biostudies-other | 2004 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Daily energy expenditure of male barn swallows correlates with tail-streamer length: handicap-mediated foraging strategies.

Nudds Robert L RL Spencer Karen A KA

Proceedings. Biological sciences 20040501

Daily energy expenditure (DEE) of male barn swallows (Hirundo rustica), measured using the doubly labelled water technique, correlated with streamer length. Contrary to predictions derived from previous findings, neither a positive linear nor a u-shaped relationship was found between DEE and streamer length. Instead, an n-shaped curve showed that the highest DEE corresponded to an intermediate streamer length of 119 mm. A model incorporating estimates of resting metabolism and flight energy expe ...[more]

PMID: 15252971

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Project description:BackgroundTotal daily energy expenditure (TEE) is composed of resting metabolic rate (RMR), post-prandial thermogenesis and activity energy expenditure (AEE). Higher AEE is strongly associated with lower mortality and physical limitations among older adults, but factors that predict changes in AEE in septu and octogenarians are not clearly understood.ObjectiveTo identify factors associated with late-life longitudinal change in AEE.DesignEnergy expenditure was re-assessed in 83 participants (average age at baseline, 74.4±3.2 years)-an average of 7.5±0.54 years since the baseline measure. RMR was measured using indirect calorimetry and the thermic effect of meals was estimated at 10% of TEE. AEE was calculated as: TEE(0.9)-RMR. Participants were categorized into two groups according to the estimated day-to-day precision of the doubly-labeled water technique. Those who were within 10% or increased relative to their initial AEE measurement were categorized as having preserved AEE. Participants who declined greater than 10% of their initial measurement were categorized as having reduced AEE. A variety of socio-demographic, functional and mental factors, body composition, community and personal behaviors, blood measurements and health conditions were evaluated between groups at baseline and changes during follow-up.ResultsDaily AEE declined 106.61±293.25 kcal, which equated to a 14.63±40.57 kcal/d decrease per year. Fifty-nine percent (n = 49) preserved their AEE and 41% (n = 34) declined. Those who demonstrated a decline in AEE were older, had lower walking speed at baseline and showed a higher lean mass loss during follow up. Otherwise, groups were similar for socio-demographic characteristics, body composition, mental and physical function, health conditions and community and personal behaviors at baseline and change in these factors during follow-up.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that AEE declines through the 8th decade of life and is associated with age, lower walking speed at baseline and lean mass loss. Additionally, there are a significant number of individuals who appear to be resilient to these declines despite having health events that are expected to have a negative impact on their physical activity.

Dataset Information

Daily energy expenditure of male barn swallows correlates with tail-streamer length: handicap-mediated foraging strategies.

Publications

Daily energy expenditure of male barn swallows correlates with tail-streamer length: handicap-mediated foraging strategies.

Similar Datasets

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