Increasing temperature, not mean temperature, is a cue for avian timing of reproduction

Schaper, Sonja V.; Dawson, Alistair; Sharp, Peter J.; Gienapp, Phillip; Caro, Samuel P.; Visser, Marcel E.. 2012 Increasing temperature, not mean temperature, is a cue for avian timing of reproduction. American Naturalist, 179 (2). E55-E69. 10.1086/663675

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Abstract/Summary

Timing of reproduction in temperate-zone birds is strongly correlated with spring temperature, with an earlier onset of breeding in warmer years. Females adjust their timing of egg laying between years to be synchronized with local food sources and thereby optimize reproductive output. However, climate change currently disrupts the link between predictive environmental cues and spring phenology. To investigate direct effects of temperature on the decision to lay and its genetic basis, we used pairs of great tits (Parus major) with known ancestry and exposed them to simulated spring scenarios in climate-controlled aviaries. In each of three years, we exposed birds to different patterns of changing temperature. We varied the timing of a temperature change, the daily temperature amplitude, and the onset and speed of a seasonal temperature rise. We show that females fine-tune their laying in response to a seasonal increase in temperature, whereas mean temperature and daily temperature variation alone do not affect laying dates. Luteinizing hormone concentrations and gonadal growth in early spring were not influenced by temperature or temperature rise, possibly posing a constraint to an advancement of breeding. Similarities between sisters in their laying dates indicate genetic variation in cue sensitivity. These results refine our understanding of how changes in spring climate might affect the mismatch in avian timing and thereby population viability.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1086/663675
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biodiversity > BD Topic 2 - Ecological Processes in the Environment > BD - 2.4 - Estimate the impact of the main drivers and pressures on biodiversity ...
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Watt
ISSN:	0003-0147
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Click on Official URL link for full text
Additional Keywords:	timing of reproduction, supplementary cues, temperature, laying date, Parus major, avian breeding season
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	07 Jan 2013 15:12 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/20910

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