Research progress in avian dispersal behavior |
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Authors: | Yang Liu and Zhengwang Zhang |
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Institution: | (1) Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China |
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Abstract: | Dispersal, defined as a linear spreading movement of individuals away from others of the population is a fundamental characteristic
of organisms in nature. Dispersal is a central concept in ecological, behavioral and evolutionary studies, driven by different
forces such as avoidance of inbreeding depression, density-dependent competition and the need to change breeding locations.
By effective dispersal, organisms can enlarge their geographic range and adjust the dynamic, sex ratio and genetic compositions
of a population. Birds are one of the groups that are studied intensively by human beings. Due to their diurnal habits, diverse
life history strategies and complex movement, birds are also ideal models for the study of dispersal behaviors. Certain topics
of avian dispersal including sex-biased, asymmetric dispersal caused by differences in body conditions, dispersal processes,
habitat selection and long distance dispersal are discussed here. Bird-ringing or marking, radio-telemetry and genetic markers
are useful tools widely applied in dispersal studies. There are three major challenges regarding theoretical study and methodology
research of dispersal: (1) improvement in research methodology is needed, (2) more in-depth theoretical research is necessary,
and (3) application of theoretical research into the conservation efforts for threatened birds and the management of their
habitats should be carried out immediately.
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Translated from Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2008, 28(4): 1354–1365 译自: 生态学报] |
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Keywords: | birds dispersal dispersal distance natal dispersal breeding dispersal |
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