Functional connections between bird eggshell stiffness and nest characteristics through risk of egg collision in nests
Journal
Ecology Letters
Journal Volume
25
Journal Issue
6
Pages
1421-1431
Date Issued
2022
Author(s)
Abstract
Eggs and nests are two critical traits for the ecological success of birds. Their functional interactions, however, remain unclear. Here, we examined the functional connections between egg stiffness and nest attachment, site and structure for 1350 avian species. We revealed high eggshell stiffness for eggs in nests with a pensile attachment, located on non-tree vegetation or having a domed shape, suggesting that birds produce stiffer eggs in response to higher egg-collision risk in unstable or enclosed nests. Interdependence models suggested that the evolution of eggshell stiffness was more likely to be driven by than drive that of nest characters. Our results implied a trade-off between investment in competing for established nesting niches and producing stiff eggs to explore novel niches with high collision risk, possibly mediated by predation or thermoregulation. This study highlights an overlooked connection between nests and eggshells that may have broadened the ecological niches of birds. © 2022 The Authors. Ecology Letters published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Subjects
avian evolution; eggshell strength; nest attachment; nest site; nest structure; passerine
Other Subjects
animal; bird; ecosystem; egg shell; nesting; physiology; thermoregulation; Animals; Birds; Body Temperature Regulation; Ecosystem; Egg Shell; Nesting Behavior
Type
letter