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Does environmental metal pollution affect bird morphometry? A case study on the tree sparrow Passer montanus.
Jian Ding1, Wenzhi Yang2, Shengnan Wang2
1School of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
Chemosphere
|February 13, 2022
Summary
Heavy metal pollution negatively impacts tree sparrow (Passer montanus) health, causing smaller body size and increased fluctuating asymmetry (FA). Morphological traits, particularly FA, serve as key indicators of environmental metal contamination in birds.
Area of Science:
- Avian ecotoxicology
- Environmental science
- Wildlife health
Background:
- Morphological characteristics are crucial indicators of bird health.
- Heavy metal pollution poses a significant threat to wildlife populations.
- Understanding the impact of environmental contaminants on bird morphometry is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of heavy metals on the morphometry of tree sparrows (Passer montanus) in polluted and unpolluted environments.
- To assess the association between heavy metal levels (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd) and calcium (Ca) with morphological variables and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in different tissues and feces.
- To determine if morphological characteristics can serve as indicators of metal pollution.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of tree sparrows from a polluted site (Baiyin, BY) and a relatively unpolluted site (Liujiaxia, LJX).
- Measurement of heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd) and Ca concentrations in various tissues and feces of adults and nestlings.
- Analysis of morphological variables, including body size and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of wing, tarsus, and toe length.
Main Results:
- Adult tree sparrows from the polluted site (BY) exhibited higher heavy metal and lower Ca concentrations compared to the unpolluted site (LJX).
- Smaller body sizes and higher FA levels were observed in both adult and nestling tree sparrows at the BY site.
- Heavy metal concentrations in tissues were associated with smaller adult morphological characteristics, and FA levels were positively correlated with heavy metal burdens, impacting growth rates in nestlings.
Conclusions:
- Environmental metal pollution significantly affects the morphological characteristics of tree sparrows.
- Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in tree sparrows is a sensitive indicator of heavy metal pollution.
- Morphological characteristics, especially FA, are valuable tools for avian ecotoxicology field studies to assess environmental contamination.
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