Abstract
Abstract I tested the hypothesis that hypoxia in tree cavities causes the unusually short incubation periods characteristic of woodpeckers. I compared saturated O2 levels in ambient air to O2 levels in 13 unoccupied and 14 occupied nest cavities of the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus). Oxygen in unoccupied cavities did not differ from ambient levels, whereas O2 in cavities with an incubating adult was 2.2% lower than in saturated air. However, the magnitude of the decrease (20.5% oxygen in occupied cavities compared to 21.0% O2 in saturated air) is small compared to variation in the partial pressure of O2 caused by altitude. This suggests that O2 depletion is not a major selective force on embryonic development times for birds nesting in tree cavities. Alternative hypotheses for short incubation periods of woodpeckers include sexual selection on females and sibling competition.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
