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Ecomorphological patterns related to migration: a comparative osteological study with passerines
Author(s) -
Calmaestra Ricardo G.,
Moreno Eulalia
Publication year - 2000
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.1469-7998.2000.tb01232.x
Subject(s) - osteology , biology , sternum , keel , morphology (biology) , passerine , ecomorphology , zoology , genus , ecology , anatomy , geography , archaeology , habitat
An analysis of forelimb and hindlimb skeletal morphology of 15 passerine genera was performed to investigate the likely existence of an ecomorphological pattern relating morphology to migratory behaviour. Each genus was represented by a pair of species, one being sedentary and another migrant. Using a phylogenetic comparative method we found migrant species having longer sternum, deeper keel and longer coracoids than non‐migrant species. Hindlimb morphology was not related to migration. These results are interpreted as adaptations for migrants favouring flight ability, as the larger the sternum and the coracoids the greater the surface available for attachment of the main muscles involved in active flight.