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Gonadal cycles and the evolution of breeding seasons in British Columbidae
Author(s) -
Lofts B.,
Murton R. K.,
Westwood N. J.
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1966.tb03007.x
Subject(s) - biology , gametogenesis , dove , seasonal breeder , population , fishery , zoology , demography , embryo , sociology , political science , law , cryopreservation
The gonads of Wood‐pigeons in a Cambridgeshire study area attain peak reproductive condition in July and this condition persists until late September or early October when rapid regression takes place. Gametogenesis recommences in early March. In the same area the Stock‐dove has a similar cycle but gametogenesis begins about two months earlier and regression apparentlytakes place about one month later. A wild Rock‐dove population at Flamborough Head, Yorkshire has an even longer physiological breeding season, gametogenesis commencing from December. Seasonal regression occurs in October.