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Genetic control of migratory behaviour in birds
1Max-Planck-Institut für Verhaltensphysiologie, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, D-7760 Schloss Möggingen, Germany.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|January 15, 2011
Summary
Bird migration has a genetic basis, with inherited programs guiding young birds. Migratory behaviors can evolve rapidly, potentially influenced by environmental changes like global warming.
Area of Science:
- Ornithology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Biannual bird migration is suspected to have a genetic basis.
- Recent research has demonstrated the inheritance of migratory behaviors and directional preferences.
- Understanding the genetic underpinnings of migration is crucial for predicting avian responses to environmental change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model how inexperienced birds navigate to wintering grounds using inherited programs.
- To investigate the genetic basis of migratory decisions in obligate partial migrants.
- To explore the evolutionary potential of migratory and sedentary behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Development of a model for estimating navigation strategies of first-time migrants.
- Analysis of genetic influences on the decision to migrate or remain sedentary.
- Assessment of the rate of evolution for novel migratory habits.
Main Results:
- A model suggests inherited spatio-temporal programs guide inexperienced migrants.
- The decision to migrate or not in partial migrants has a strong genetic basis.
- Migratory and sedentary behaviors exhibit high potential for rapid evolution, with new habits evolving in under 25 years.
Conclusions:
- Avian migration is significantly influenced by genetic factors.
- Rapid evolution of migratory behaviors is possible, influenced by genetic variation.
- Environmental changes, such as global warming, may alter avian migration systems by affecting genetic variation for migratory tendencies.
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