Ptilochronology: Feather Time And The Biology Of Birds (oxford Ornithology Series)
by Thomas C. Grubb /
2006 / English / PDF
1.7 MB Download
This is the first book to summarize the methods, conceptual issues
and results of studies using the interpretation of feather growth
rates as an index to nutritional condition in birds. The author has
coined the term ptilochronology (literally. 'the study of feather
time') to describe this technique, which relies on the fat that as
a feather grows it produces visible growth bars. Both the technique
and its conceptual foundations have been applied worldwide to
numerous studies of avian evolution, ecology, and conservation
biology. the author reviews this work, chronicles the various
criticisms that have been amde, and describes how these have
influenced the development of ptilochronology. He goes on to
suggest experimental methodologies and analytical techniques to
safeguard against invalid results. a final chapter summarises this
new technique's contribution to avian biology, and suggests
potential applications and a future research agenda. an appendix
details specific measurements and describes the methodology
associated with ptilochronology.
This is the first book to summarize the methods, conceptual issues
and results of studies using the interpretation of feather growth
rates as an index to nutritional condition in birds. The author has
coined the term ptilochronology (literally. 'the study of feather
time') to describe this technique, which relies on the fat that as
a feather grows it produces visible growth bars. Both the technique
and its conceptual foundations have been applied worldwide to
numerous studies of avian evolution, ecology, and conservation
biology. the author reviews this work, chronicles the various
criticisms that have been amde, and describes how these have
influenced the development of ptilochronology. He goes on to
suggest experimental methodologies and analytical techniques to
safeguard against invalid results. a final chapter summarises this
new technique's contribution to avian biology, and suggests
potential applications and a future research agenda. an appendix
details specific measurements and describes the methodology
associated with ptilochronology.Ptilochronology
Ptilochronology provides a practical resource as well as a
conceptual understanding of how this technique can be used to
address important questions in avian biology. It will be of
relevance and use to professional avian biologists and
ornithologists as well as to graduate students of avian behavioural
ecology, evolution and conservation.
provides a practical resource as well as a
conceptual understanding of how this technique can be used to
address important questions in avian biology. It will be of
relevance and use to professional avian biologists and
ornithologists as well as to graduate students of avian behavioural
ecology, evolution and conservation.
