Rate of moult affects feather quality: a mechanism linking current reproductive effort to future survival.

摘要: Life-history theory proposes that costs must be associated with reproduction. Many direct are incurred during breeding. There is also evidence for indirect costs, after breeding, which decrease survival and future reproductive success. One possible cost identified in birds breeding activity some way compromises plumage quality the subsequent moult. Here we propose a mechanism by this could occur. Breeding delays start of Birds to moult later more rapidly--an effect decreasing daylength. Could result poorer plumage? We kept two groups male European starlings, Sturnus vulgaris, one on constant long days other daylengths from Decreasing reduced duration 103 +/- 4 73 3 (p < 0.0001). Newly grown primary feathers moulted fast were slightly shorter, weighed less 0.05) asymmetrical. They had thinner rachis 0.005), hard 0.01) rigid 0.05). resistant wear so differences mass asymmetry increased time. was no difference Young's modulus. Poorer will lead decreased due flight performance thermoregulatory costs. Thus, reproduction incurs through operates end