Adaptation and constraint in the growth pattern of lapwing Vanellus vanellus chicks

The growth and development of lapwing chicks were studied on farmland in Central Scotland. Selective pressures and constraints imposed by initial priority, limited resources and limitations of the food processing efficiency of the chicks explain the general growth pattern. Those structures with a hi...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Zoology
Main Author: Galbraith, H.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Wiley 1988
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1988.tb02858.x
https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1469-7998.1988.tb02858.x
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1988.tb02858.x
https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1988.tb02858.x
Description
Summary:The growth and development of lapwing chicks were studied on farmland in Central Scotland. Selective pressures and constraints imposed by initial priority, limited resources and limitations of the food processing efficiency of the chicks explain the general growth pattern. Those structures with a high early priority, e.g. locomotory and feeding apparatus, were comparatively mature at hatching and developed early. By contrast, wing development was delayed until the chicks had reached a suitable feeding area and were feeding efficiently. Habitat, season and size and weight at hatching were additional intrinsic and environmental factors affecting growth.