How slow breeding can be selected in seabirds: testing Lack's hypothesis

Area of Science:

• Avian biology
• Evolutionary ecology
• Marine ornithology

Background:

• The 1960s debate on group versus individual selection explored seabird breeding rates.
• David Lack's theory of individual selection became dominant, but explanations for slow seabird breeding require further testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ecological constraints influencing the slow breeding rates of albatrosses and petrels (order Procellariiformes).
• To test the hypothesis that developmental and reproductive rates are associated with foraging range distance, independent of body size and phylogeny.

Main Methods:

• Statistical analyses were employed to examine incubation and fledging periods in Procellariiformes.
• Analyses controlled for variations in body size and phylogenetic relationships among species.
• Correlation between breeding rates and foraging range distance was assessed.

Main Results:

• Incubation and fledging periods showed a strong correlation, primarily explained by phylogeny.
• Breeding rates were significantly associated with the distance to foraging ranges, independent of body size and phylogeny.
• Slower breeding in these seabirds correlates with the challenges of extensive pelagic feeding.

Conclusions:

• Ecological constraints related to foraging distance significantly impact the breeding rates of albatrosses and petrels.
• The findings support David Lack's original hypothesis regarding the link between pelagic feeding rigors and slow seabird reproduction.