Exam 1 Study Deck Pt.2 Flashcards
why send a signal instead of do a direct action?
Because actions are “expensive” and signals avoid physical fighting. scent last longer time. Back up threat.
Define Signal
a signal is sent purposely by the sender-snding out info by smell, vocalization, touch, visual
Define a Cue
A cue is a unintended byproduct of performing required behavior (ex: foraging). Also contain info
How are marine birds classified Taxonomically?
SEA BIRDS
SHOREBIRDS
Classification of Seabird
procellariformes
albatross, shearwater, storm-petrel
Classification of Seabird
Sphenisciformes
penguins
Classification of Seabird
Pelicaniformes
pelicans, frigatebirds, boobies, cormorants
Classification of Seabird
Pelicaniformes
pelicans, frigatebirds, boobies, cormorants
Classification of Shorebirds
Chardriformes
plovers, killdeer, sandpipers, avocets, godwit, long-billed curlew
Classification of Shorebirds
ciconiiformes
herons, egrets
Adaptions for flight in birds
4 chambered heart no blader-weight wings and feathers one ovary-weight Large pectoral muscles Hallow bones-weight no teeth-weight
Adaptations for marine lifestyle
arrow like body-flying
longer wings for SOARING
torpedo like body-swimming
webbed feet
shorter wings for water
BOTH: osmoregulation(salt glands)
Other uses of feathers besides flying
insulation
courtship/communication
camoflage
Two kinds of feathers
short feathers with oil for water proofing
Flight feathers-lock together
common foraging strategies in sea birds
*plunge diving-BOOBIES,PELICANS
*surface feeding-skim surface-PELICANS(scoop fish), PUFFINS, ALBATROSS, FRIGATE BIRDS
*dipping(hovering over surface to pick food)
*kleptoparasitism(steal food)
deep diving-PENGUINS
*Scavanging-GULLS-sharp beak
Life history characteristics of marine birds
K-selected-delay reproduction, raise young, produce fewer/larger offspring (1-2), long life.
Competition is high
Environment stable
common foraging strategies in shorebirds
- Spear-HERRONS-long beaks
- Dabble-strain small fish from water-AVOCET
- Hunt in mud/sand-crabs/snails
- Scavenge-HERONS, EGRETS
Osmoregulation
add and removal of salt and water from body. With salt glands, water proof feathers/skin
Mating systems
mostly monogamous- hold territory better get food to feed chick have a mate each season better compatability
Shorebirds can be: polyanderous, polygynous
Thermoregulation
panting
hide head under wings
fluff feathers
problems with weather on foraging and breeding
- wash away nests
- make it difficult for birds to fly and get food
- water merky-hard to find food
- warm/cold water makes thermoregulation harder
- damaged breeding grounds
Cope with damage by weather
-depends on severity of food shortage, breeding conditions of chick, age factor/experience
abandon nest
try new location
Predators of seabirds and shorebirds
raccoons, sharks, hawks, foxes, predatory birds (skua, falcons, eagles, heron’s, egrets, pelicans, gulls-namely chicks and eggs), rats.
Anti-predator mechanisms
mobbing-attack predator
alarm calling
stealth-ambush
runaway
Why different breeding systems in sea birds than shorebirds
some seabirds have difficulty monaganizing due to distance from food, small habitat, ability to attract multiple mates
advantages of colonial breeding in seabirds
dilution effect against predator, alarm calls, better relection of partners, more info on food source locations,
fledging of young overwhelms predator, group stimulation
disadvantages of colonial breeding in seabirds
competition for resources
increased parasitic loads
Nest site selection
large species nest in open, small species in burrows or cliff crevices. Nest locations for ease of take off, usually in proximity of water.
conspecific attraction
They settle near their own species.
used to lure seabirds into recognizable former nesting sites
social stimulation of reproduction
some cannot reproduce as single pairs, need group to stimulate reproduction
Seabirds return to the same site every year to breed because…
Helps them hold down territory better and interaction with their neighbors
benefits to choosing the same mate
better partner coordination, hold territory, always have a mate during the season, share the load (foraging, feeding, incubation)
What sea birds look for in a mate
direct benefits
indicators of foraging ability (health)
similiar age
How seabirds find their chicks in a colony
parent sends out a fundamental frequency and beats from the two voice system, play back syllables, so the chick can recognise and ID
distribution of penguins
ancestor originated from antarctica 40-50 mya then spread northward as continents drifted
ecology of penguins
no flight feathers, just 2 layers of feathers for floating. webbed feet, leopard seals and sea lions are predators
