Variability in leucocyte profiles in thin-billed prions Pachyptila belcheri.

摘要: Abstract Because immune function competes for the resources that can be allocated to other activities, studies of immunological ecology may offer a powerful tool explaining how reproductive effort links costs and conditions experienced early in their development affect growing chicks later life. We studied distribution leucocyte types H / L ratio, which is indicative heightened energetic stress, throughout season 2004–2005 adults thin-billed prions Pachyptila belcheri . Adults decreased body condition increased ratios. Likewise, ratios during season, but this was age-related rather than condition-dependent. Chicks from earlier hatched eggs had lower initially, relationship became weaker with increasing age disappeared by fledging. The results suggest stress index useful measure adult prions, at least on population level, although larger sample size or repeated samples same individuals required confirm an individual level distinguish between seasonal effects. data highlight our lack knowledge ontogeny wild birds. Studies over several seasons reveal are functions under contrasting environmental conditions.