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Thermal emissivity of avian eggshells.
Lars Olof Björn1, Sven-Axel Bengtson2, Shaoshan Li3
1Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Science in Guangdong Higher Education, School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Lund University, Department of Biology, Sölvegatan 35, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden.
Journal of Thermal Biology
|April 2, 2016
Summary
Bird egg thermal emissivity does not appear to be linked to cold climates or nesting habits. Spectral differences in eggshells exist but are unlikely to be ecologically significant.
Area of Science:
- Avian Biology
- Thermodynamics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Birds nesting in cold climates may evolve lower egg thermal emissivity for insulation.
- Eggshell thermal properties can influence embryonic development and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that open-nesting birds in cold climates have eggs with lower thermal emissivity.
- To investigate the relationship between bird egg emissivity, climate, and nesting strategies.
Main Methods:
- Directional thermal emissivity estimated from directional-hemispherical reflectance spectra.
- Analysis of spectral reflectance at specific wavelengths (e.g., 4.259μm, 6.5μm, 11.3μm).
Main Results:
- No clear correlation found between bird egg emissivity, climate, or nesting habits.
- Species-specific differences in emissivity were observed (e.g., Calidris genus vs. Galloanserinae).
- Significant species-dependent spectral reflectance differences noted at various wavelengths.
Conclusions:
- The hypothesis that cold climates drive lower egg emissivity is not supported.
- Observed emissivity differences are likely too small to be ecologically significant.
- Spectral variations in eggshells necessitate consideration when using infrared thermometry for avian egg surface temperature estimation.
Keywords:
Avian eggsBirdsEgg coolingHeat dissipationIncubationSeabirdsThermal emissivityThermal radiationWadersMore Related Videos
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