scholarly journals Experimental manipulation of photoperiod influences migration timing in a wild, long-distance migratory songbird

2021 ◽  
Vol 288 (1957) ◽  
pp. 20211474
Author(s):  
Saeedeh Bani Assadi ◽  
Kevin Charles Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Experimental Manipulation ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Migration Timing ◽  
Nestling Development ◽  
Migratory Songbird ◽  
The Impact

Previous laboratory studies have demonstrated the role of photoperiod in cueing the migration timing of small land birds; however, how migration timing of young birds in wild environments develops in relation to these cues have rarely been investigated. Such investigations can make important contributions to our developing understanding of the phenotypic plasticity of migration timing to new conditions with climate change, where changes in the timing of nesting may expose juvenile birds to different photoperiods. We investigated the impact of manipulating photoperiod during nestling development in a long-distance migratory songbird on the timing of post-breeding movements in the wild. Using programmable lighting installed in the nest-boxes of purple martins ( Progne subis ), we exposed developing nestlings, from hatch to fledge date, to an extended photoperiod that matched the day length of the summer solstice in Manitoba, Canada. We found that birds with a simulated, earlier photoperiod had a longer nesting period and later fledge and autumn departure dates than control group birds. This study demonstrates the phenotypic plasticity of first-year birds to the ontogenetic effect of their hatch date in the formation of the timing of their first post-breeding movements. Further, we discuss how these results have implications for the potential use of assisted evolution approaches to alter migration timing to match new conditions with climate change.

scholarly journals The Influence of Different Light Wavelengths of Anthropogenic Light at Night on Nestling Development and the Timing of Post-fledge Movements in a Migratory Songbird

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeedeh Bani Assadi ◽  
Kevin C. Fraser
Keyword(s):  
White Light ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Green Light ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Migration Timing ◽  
Nestling Development ◽  
Migratory Songbird ◽  
The Impact

Many different aspects of an animal’s lifecycle such as its behavior, patterns of hormone activity, and internal clock time, can be affected by anthropogenic light at night (ALAN). Exposing an organism to ALAN during its early life could also have an impact on its development. Since photoperiod can trigger or schedule the migration timing of long-distance migratory birds, there is great potential for anthropogenic light to interact with photoperiod to affect timing. However, very little has been investigated regarding the impacts of ALAN on post-hatching development and migration timing. We investigated the impact of ALAN during nestling development in a long-distance migratory songbird to determine the potential impact on the timing of post-breeding movements in the wild. We experimentally manipulated the light by using programmable lighting, in the nest boxes of free-living nestlings of purple martin (Progne subis) in Manitoba, Canada. We exposed two groups of developing nestlings, from hatch to fledge date, to green or white LED lights (5 lux) during the night. We also included a control group that experienced natural, ambient light at night. We found that some adults abandoned their nests shortly after starting the experiment (4 of 15 nests in the white light treatment). For the nests that remained active, nestlings exposed to the white light treatment had higher weights (at day 20 or 22), later fledge dates (1.54 ± 0.37, 95% CI 0.80–2.28), and later colony departure date (2.84 ± 1.00, 95% CI 0.88–4.81), than young of the control group. Moreover, nestlings of both white and green light groups had longer nesting duration than nestlings of the control group. This study demonstrates the impact of ALAN on the development of post-breeding movement timing in nestlings of wild migratory birds. However, our results also indicate that green light may have less of an impact as compared to white light.

scholarly journals Birds facing climate change: a qualitative model for the adaptive potential of migratory behaviour

2015 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelangelo Morganti
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Qualitative Model ◽  
Migratory Behaviour ◽  
Adaptive Potential ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Genetic Determination ◽  
Recent Climate

Recent climate change is altering the migratory behaviour of many bird species. An advancement in the timing of spring events and a shift in the geographical distribution have been detected for birds around the world. In particular, intra-Palearctic migratory birds have advanced arrivals in spring and shortened migratory distances by shifting northward their wintering grounds. These changes in migratory patterns are considered adaptive responses facilitating the adjustment of the life cycle to the phenological changes found in their breeding areas. However, in some cases, populations exposed to the same selective pressures do not show any appreciable adaptive change in their behaviour. Basing on the comparison of realized and non-realized adaptive changes, I propose here the formulation of a qualitative model that predicts the potential of migratory birds populations to change adaptively their migratory behaviour. The model assumes that the adaptive potential of migratory behaviour is fuelled by both genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity. Populations of long-distance migrants are exposed to strong environmental canalization that largely eroded their phenotypic plasticity and reduced genetic variability, so that they show a very low amount of adaptive potential regarding migratory behaviour. On the contrary, partial-migrant populations have a highly varied genetic profile and are more plastic at the phenotypic level, and consequently show the highest amount of adaptive potential. Species with mainly social and mainly genetic determination of the migratory behaviour are separately treated in the model. Specific empirical models to foresee the adaptive strategies of wild bird populations that face to climate change can be derived from the general theoretical model. As example, a specific model about the shortening of migratory distances in Western European migratory bird is presented. Finally, a number of future research lines on the topic of adaptive potential of migratory behaviour are discussed, including some examples of concrete study cases. In conclusion, partial-migration emerge as the less known system and future research efforts on this topic are expected to be especially fruitful.

scholarly journals Flight range, fuel load and the impact of climate change on the journeys of migrant birds

2018 ◽  
Vol 285 (1873) ◽  
pp. 20172329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Howard ◽  
Philip A. Stephens ◽  
Joseph A. Tobias ◽  
Catherine Sheard ◽  
Stuart H. M. Butchart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Climate Impact ◽  
Fuel Load ◽  
Migratory Species ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Avian Flight ◽  
Flight Range ◽  
Combine Information ◽  
The Impact

Climate change is predicted to increase migration distances for many migratory species, but the physiological and temporal implications of longer migratory journeys have not been explored. Here, we combine information about species' flight range potential and migratory refuelling requirements to simulate the number of stopovers required and the duration of current migratory journeys for 77 bird species breeding in Europe. Using tracking data, we show that our estimates accord with recorded journey times and stopovers for most species. We then combine projections of altered migratory distances under climate change with models of avian flight to predict future migratory journeys. We find that 37% of migratory journeys undertaken by long-distance migrants will necessitate an additional stopover in future. These greater distances and the increased number of stops will substantially increase overall journey durations of many long-distance migratory species, a factor not currently considered in climate impact studies.

scholarly journals Phenotypic plasticity of stomatal and photosynthetic features of four Picea species in two contrasting common gardens

AoB Plants ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Hao Wang ◽  
Jing Ru Wang ◽  
Xiao Wei Zhang ◽  
Ai Ping Zhang ◽  
Shan Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Physiological Activity ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Leaf Mass Per Area ◽  
Picea Crassifolia ◽  
Common Gardens ◽  
Picea Species ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Global climate change is expected to affect mountain ecosystems significantly. Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of any genotype to produce a variety of phenotypes under different environmental conditions, is critical in determining the ability of species to acclimate to current climatic changes. Here, to simulate the impact of climate change, we compared the physiology of species of the genus Picea from different provenances and climatic conditions and quantified their phenotypic plasticity index (PPI) in two contrasting common gardens (dry vs. wet), and then considered phenotypic plastic effects on their future adaptation. The mean PPI of the photosynthetic features studied was higher than that of the stomatal features. Species grown in the arid and humid common gardens were differentiated: the stomatal length (SL) and width (SW) on the adaxial surface, the transpiration rate (Tr) and leaf mass per area (LMA) were more highly correlated with rainfall than other traits. There were no significant relationships between the observed plasticity and the species’ original habitat, except in P. crassifolia (from an arid habitat) and P. asperata (from a humid habitat). Picea crassifolia exhibited enhanced instantaneous efficiency of water use (PPI = 0.52) and the ratio of photosynthesis to respiration (PPI = 0.10) remained constant; this species was, therefore, considered to the one best able to acclimate when faced with the effects of climate change. The other three species exhibited reduced physiological activity when exposed to water limitation. These findings indicate how climate change affects the potential roles of plasticity in determining plant physiology, and provide a basis for future reforestation efforts in China.

The Global Warming By Using The Experimental Methods Within Project-Based Learning Approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulperi Selcan Öncü
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Greenhouse Gases ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Forest Fires ◽  
Experimental Methods ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
The Impact

<div> <p>In recent times we have often received news such as about melting glaciers, sudden and torrential rain, storms, increased atmospheric temperatures, and forest fires. We have also observed some of these phenomena in our immediate vicinity. There is a frequently used expression among the public, 'the seasons are shifting'. </p> <p>Students have asked the reasons why these changes have been occurring and what about changes between the past and present. In order to understand these changes we all know that they need to understand global warming in the first place. To help them with this as an science teacher I have guided them to be capable of using experimental methods within project-based learning approaches. First they did preliminary literature surveys and then they designed an experiment. In the experiment, they tested the hypothesis that the water inside the bell JAR, which is coated with black cardboard, heats up more than the transparent one. In this way they began to investigate climate change due to greenhouse gases. </p> <p>In the experiment, two bell glasses were used to represent the atmosphere layers. One was intermittently covered with pieces cut out of black cardboard. Black cardboard was used to represent the greenhouse gas due since the black colour absorbs light. Two beakers of the same size were used, filled with water. A thermometer was placed inside and bell jars were turned upside down and put over the beakers. The two thermometers were used to measure the water temperature inside the beakers. </p> <p>The first apparatus is the control group (inside uncovered). The second apparatus is the experimental group (covered with independent black cardboard). In the experimental and observation stage, the independent variable is the bell jar; the dependent variable is the water temperature. The constant variables are the size of the jar, the size of the beaker, the amount of water and the ambient conditions. </p> <p>Having set up the apparatus, the initial temperature of water was measured and recorded. Students carried out the experiment on a sunny day by placing the apparatus in a sun-covered field. They recorded the data in the tables they completed periodically. Then they shared the results with participants at the science festival. </p> <p>In this way they began to investigate the impact of greenhouse gases on climate change.</p> </div>

scholarly journals Low-Carbon Awareness and Behaviors: Effects of Exposure to Climate Change Impact Photographs

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 215824402110314
Author(s):  
Yong Liu ◽  
Jin Liu ◽  
Yunpeng Su
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Impact ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Carbon Policy ◽  
Change Impact ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

Exposure to images on the impact of climate change has been shown to trigger low-carbon awareness and behaviors in individuals. In this study, pre-exposure to photographs of climate change impact, low-carbon awareness, and behaviors of a control group and an experimental group were not significantly different. However, following exposure, the two groups showed significant differences in terms of low-carbon awareness and behavior. Moreover, the experimental group was found to have better low-carbon awareness and behavior than the control group without exposure. Therefore, exposure to climate change impact photographs may play an important role in promoting low-carbon awareness and behavior. The findings have significant implications for climate change and low-carbon policy-making.

scholarly journals Increasing Intention to Reduce Fossil Fuel Consumption: A Protection Motivation Theory Based Experimental Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Jane Kothe ◽  
Mathew Ling ◽  
Barbara Mullan ◽  
Anna Klas
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Experimental Study ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Protection Motivation Theory ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Protection Motivation ◽  
Motivation Theory ◽  
Fuel Use ◽  
The Impact

Reducing individual fossil fuel use is an important component of climate change mitigation, but motivating behaviour change to achieve this is difficult. This experimental study tests the impact of Protection Motivation Theory based messages on intention to reduce fossil fuel use in 3803 US adults recruited via Amazon MTurk (mean age = 36.11 years; 51.4% female). Only messages targeting self-efficacy and response efficacy increased intention to reduce fossil fuel use relative to the control group. However, only the self-efficacy message had an impact on its corresponding construct, highlighting the importance of manipulation checks in model testing. Given the urgency of responding to climate change, the potential for additive benefits of effective messages should be considered irrespective of their underlying psychological mechanism. Study preregistration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2G6BQ. Data related to this manuscript: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2TRBK.

scholarly journals The Impact of Increased Food Availability on Reproduction in a Long-Distance Migratory Songbird: Implications for Environmental Change?

PLoS ONE ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e111180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam M. Seward ◽  
Colin M. Beale ◽  
Lucy Gilbert ◽  
T. Hefin Jones ◽  
Robert J. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Change ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Migratory Songbird ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Shifts in Bird Migration Timing in North American Long-Distance and Short-Distance Migrants Are Associated with Climate Change

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Zaifman ◽  
Daoyang Shan ◽  
Ahmet Ay ◽  
Ana Gabriela Jimenez
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Bird Migration ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
The United States ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Migration Timing ◽  
Departure Date ◽  
And Migration

Bird migration is a synchronized event that has evolved over thousands of years. Changing temperatures due to climate change threaten the intricacies of migration timing for birds; however, the extent of these changes has only recently begun to be addressed. Utilizing data from the citizen-science website eBird and historical temperature data, we analyzed bird migration timing in two states warming quickly (Alaska and Maine) and one warming gradually (South Carolina). Using linear regressions, we looked at relationships between different temperature indices and year with bird migration timing from 2010 to 2016. Bird migration through all three states, regardless of warming rate, showed similar rates of alterations. Additionally, in every state over half of the birds that had altered migration timing were long-distance migrants. Furthermore, we performed feature selection to determine important factors for changing migration timing of birds. Changes to summer resident and transient bird migration were most influenced by state. In winter resident migration, departure date and length of stay were most influenced by maximum temperature, while arrival date was most associated with minimum temperature. Relationships between changing temperatures and migration timing suggest that global climate change may have consequential effects on all bird migration patterns throughout the United States.

scholarly journals What shapes public support for climate change mitigation policies? The role of descriptive social norms and elite cues

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
ADRIAN RINSCHEID ◽  
SILVIA PIANTA ◽  
ELKE U. WEBER
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Social Norms ◽  
Climate Policy ◽  
Carbon Capture ◽  
Carbon Capture And Storage ◽  
Experimental Manipulation ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Descriptive Norms ◽  
Climate Policies ◽  
The Impact

Abstract What are the roles of bottom-up and top-down signals in the formation of climate change policy preferences? Using a large sample of American residents (n = 1520) and combining an experimental manipulation of descriptive social norms with two choice experiments, we investigate the effects of descriptive norms and policy endorsements by key political actors on climate policy support. We study these questions in two areas considered to be central in a number of decarbonization pathways: the phase-out of fossil fuel-powered cars and the deployment of carbon capture and storage. Our study provides two important results. First, social norm interventions may be no silver bullet for increasing citizens’ support for ambitious climate policies. In fact, we not only find that climate policy support is unaffected by norm messages communicating an increased diffusion of pro-environmental behaviors, but also that norm messages communicating the prevalence of non-sustainable behaviors decrease policy support. Second, in the presence of policy endorsements by political parties, citizens’ trust in these parties influences their support for climate policies. This study contributes to research in behavioral climate policy by examining the impact of descriptive norms and elite cues on climate policy support.

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