La Tour du Valat

Institut de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes

Titre :	What is the function of the toe pads in passerines, thermal isolation or locomotion?
Auteurs :	Fränzi Korner-Nievergelt, Auteur ; Bernd Leisler, Auteur
Type de document :	Article
Dans :	Vogelwarte (43(4) NOV 2005)
Article en page(s) :	261-265
Langues:	Allemand
Résumé :	There exist two hypotheses of the evolutionary selection pressure which produced high toe pads in passerines: First, insulation of the foot soles in cold winter quarters, and second improved locomotion abilities in coniferous needles. In this study, we correlate the height of the proximal hind toe pad with the temperature in the winter quarter and the proportion of coniferous needles in the substrate for 88 passerine bird species belonging to 7 genera. Within 2 genera (Carduelis, Carpodacus) the temperature in the winter quarter is correlated with the height of the hind toe pad. In 3 genera (Parus, Phylloscopus, Sitta) the height of the hind toe pad is related to the substrate. Finally, in 2 genera (Dendroica, Regulus) both ecological factors are correlated with the height of the hind toe pad. The two ecological factors are not correlated with each other.Both the temperature in the winter quarter and the proportion of coniferous needles in the substrate seem to play a role in the evolution of high toe pads in passerines. The degree to which each of the two ecological factors influenced the morphology of the hind toe pad seems to vary among the genera.

Lundi , mardi et jeudi de 9h à 12h et de 13h à 17h00 : ouverture au public ...