Uropygial Gland Size and Avian Habitat
نویسندگان
چکیده
The physiological role of the uropygial gland is still controversial. Certain authors state that its function could be closely connected to the hydrophobic properties of its secretion, that may be essential for plumage waterproofing. Therefore, it could be hypothesized that the degree of this gland's development should be greater in aquatic birds than in terrestrial species. In order to validate that hypothesis, gland's mass (GW) relative to body weight (BW) was determined, expressing the results as percentages (GW x 100/BW). Data of 1164 adult individuals from 126 bird species from 49 families were analysed. Results showed the absence of a clear cut correlation between the calculated index and the degree of birds' contact with water. No phylogenetic correlation was observed derived from the presence of the uropygial gland. Accepted 15 June 2000.
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