Effect of population bottlenecks on the egg morphology of introduced birds in New Zealand

摘要: Hatching failure is inversely correlated with population bottleneck size among exotic birds introduced to New Zealand, but the mechanism for this unclear. We assess whether bottlenecks these species experienced during their introduction have affected hatching through deleterious changes in egg morphology. measured and shape of 13 that passed 11-800 individuals establishment 19th century. Eggs were also source populations ('pre-bottleneck') each compare pre- post-bottleneck morphology directly. Significant volume found six species, most laying smaller eggs Zealand. Egg changed four there was no directional bias; two developed more elongated broader eggs. There relationship between change volume, passing severe had greater variability likely deviated from populations. either or rates failure. Further work needed negative consequences on offspring fitness observed are result differing environmental conditions range.