Avian Biology

Avian Biology, Volume VI is a compendium of papers that deals with selected aspects of avian biology. One paper discusses the avian mating behavior and covers topics such as monogamy, polygyny, male incubation, and female emancipation; these papers also list a table of the species of birds in which polyandry has been observed. Another paper examines bird migration in relation to the mechanism and development of migration with emphasis on the evolution and function (ultimate causation) of migration. Another paper discusses the advantages of one form of social organization of birds during the non-reproductive season over another form. This paper reasons the possibility of the existence of a cost-benefit social behavior. Other papers discuss some physical features found in birds such as stomach oils and glycogen-filled cells. Another paper deals with the respiratory physiology of birds as new research data have been made available in this area. This book can prove useful for investigators in avian biology, zoologists, and readers who have a general interest in birds.

Contenu

List of Contributors
General Preface
Preface to Volume VI
Note on Taxonomy
Contents of Other Volumes
Chapter 1. Avian Mating Systems
I. Introduction
II. Monogamy
III. Functional Types of Polygyny
IV. Male Incubation, Female Emancipation, and the Evolution of Polyandrous Strategies
V. Conclusion
References
Chapter 2. The Ecology and Evolution of Avian Migration Systems
I. Introduction
II. Movement in Response to Environmental Change
III. Movement Patterns in Time and Space
IV. Evolutionary Theories of Bird Migration
V. Diversity of Avian Migration Patterns
References
Chapter 3. Social Organization in the Nonreproductive Season
I. Introduction
II. Flocking and the Risk of Predation
III. Social Foraging and the Risk of Starvation
IV. The Economics of Aggression
V. Prospect
References
Chapter 4. The Uropygial Gland
I. Structure of the Uropygial or Preen Gland
II. Secretions of the Uropygial Gland
References
Chapter 5. Stomach Oils
I. Introduction
II. Occurrence of Stomach Oils
III. Chemical Composition of Stomach Oils
IV. Origin of Stomach Oils
V. Function of Stomach Oil
References
Chapter 6. The Glycogen Body
I. Introduction
II. Historical Perspective
III. Development
IV. Biochemistry and Metabolism
V. Structure
VI. Functional Significance
VII. Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 7. Domestication in Birds
I. Introduction
II. Domestication in Birds: Definition and History
III. Domestication Characteristics in Birds
IV. The Zebra Finch: A Case History in Domestication
V. Conclusions
References
Chapter 8. Respiration and Control of Breathing
I. Introduction
II. Ventilation of the Respiratory Tract
III. Gas Transport Properties of Blood
IV. Basic Concepts for Parabronchial Gas Exchange
V. The Cross-Current Model and the Real Lung
VI. Respiration and Gas Exchange at Rest
VII. Respiration and Gas Exchange at Specialized Activities
VIII. Control of Breathing
IX. Respiration of the Avian Embryo
References
Author Index
Index to Bird Names
Subject Index