Growth Patterns and Developmental Strategy in the Black-Bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis

摘要: As a result of convergent evolution, sandgrouse share similarities with some other precocial landbirds, namely Galliformes and waders (Charadriiformes). They are birds arid lands hence their chicks face problems predation risk shortage food water, exacerbated by the patchy unpredictable distribution these resources. We therefore hypothesised that would be more precocious at hatching than galliformes charadriiformes living in favourable habitats. Patterns growth for body mass, wing, leg sternum were described black-bellied Pterocles orientalis logistic model. Post-hatching development was characterised ratio exponential rate (EGR) to relative size (Ln(W/A)) (W: Weight A: Asymptotic size) given age. Developmental trajectories, indicating degree precocity, derived from relationships as slopes least square regression EGR on size. also post-hatching terms maturation time. Growth parameters compared those Charadriiformes using interspecific allometric relationships. Black-bellied hatched relatively well developed mass legs, which accords faster maturation. The wing reached asymptotic sizes steeper developmental trajectories did leg. mean constant highest similar. In contrast leg, showed biphasic patterns. shows rates intermediate between Charadriiformes. It exhibits strategy both legs wings allow early either walking or flying. This constitutes an adaptive environments low resource availability high risk.