Abstract
It has been proposed that ontogeny may be an important constraint on the evolution of morphological traits. In this paper, ontogeny is discussed as a possible constraint on behavioural evolution. A literature review of the development of song in oscine birds (Passeriformes; Passeres) shows that song development follows von Baer's law; that is, that development proceeds from early, generally distributed stages to later, specialized stages. Song ontogeny is found to parallel phylogeny in a lineage of sparrows (Emberizidae; Emberizinae). Possible cases of paedomorphosis (slowing down or truncation of development) in bird song are discussed, specifically in the family Mimidae and in the reed warbler, Acrocephalus palustris (Muscicapidae; Sylviinae). Finally, the implications of developmental constraints for the study of the adaptive significance of behaviour are discussed.
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