Phenotypic changes in spring arrival: evolution, phenotypic plasticity, effects of weather and condition

摘要: Global climate change is having a major impact on the viability of species. Whether particular population will survive or go extinct depend its potential to adapt new environmental conditions. In migratory birds, timing spring migration one determinants reproduction and as temperatures increase, we expect birds return earlier their breeding grounds. accord with this expectation, arrival has advanced in many bird populations within last 30 years. Yet, despite presence genetic variation fitness advantages arriving early still lack conclusive evidence for evolutionary change. One reason may be that weather conditions en route, direction speed winds, have an important influence individual speed. Moreover, there strong physical condition modify departure from wintering grounds, ultimately breeding. We also nestling maternal effects timing. Long-term studies monitoring combination experimental approaches needed tease apart different traits determining This knowledge crucial predicting adaptive responses future.