Body Size Variation of European Storm PetrelsHydrobates pelagicusin Relation to Environmental Variables

摘要: Body size differentiation may have developed in response to environmental gradients. A pattern of large individuals prevailing colder areas is often observed and explained by the heat conservation hypothesis (Bergmann's rule). To understand patterns driving body variation a pelagic seabird, European Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus, we examined relationship between wing length, mass variables breeding (sea surface temperature, air temperature wind speed). As this species has been divided into two subspecies: Mediterranean H. p. melitensis Atlantic performed analyses at different scales (species, subspecies regional North Atlantic). At scales, there was longitudinal increase length from west east. scale, found latitudinal variable south north. This result significant with decreasing sea temperatures are concordant Bergmann's rule. In addition, decreased increasing speed, what functional implication (small manoeuvrability over waves conditions stronger wind). Both genetic (two differing size) factors seem be important forces intercolony size. Our study on sexual dimorphism (SSD) revealed that 156 molecularly sexed adults Faeroes, tail exhibited female-biased SSD, while head-bill showed male-biased SSD. The best discriminant function for sexing based measurements correctly classified 75% individuals. Considering low correctness proposed functions geographical size, use alternative methods (e.g. molecular tools) recommended sex discrimination Petrel.