The role of disturbance in the ecology and conservation of birds

Article Abstract:

Research on disturbance and its role in the ecology and conservation of birds is reviewed with focus on North America and on conservation implications of the effects. How natural and human-originated disturbance can affect the population and community ecology of birds is considered. The body of evidence that some sort of disturbance is necessary for the habitat needs of a large part of the world's terrestrial avifauna is growing. The role of managing ecosystems and successional processes through use of disturbance has been little studied. Of interest are grasslands/prairies, shrublands, savannas, early successional forests, floodplains and such agents as fire and flooding.

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Male-killing, nematode infections, bacteriophase infection, and virulence of cytoplasmic bacteria in the genus Wolbachia

Article Abstract:

Research into male-killing, bacteriophage infection, nematode infections, and virulence of Wolbachia cytoplasmic bacteria is reviewed. The dynamics of embryonic male-killing are reviewed. Arthropod host-Wolbachia phylogenies are not congruent, which suggests horizontal transmission. The opposite has been shown in nematode-Wolbachia phylogenies, which indicates long-term association and vertical transmission. Horizontal transmission of the phage, which is extensive, may explain the plasticity of Wolbachia's effect on arthropod hosts. Wolbachia variation in reproductive effects would likely indicate a high degree of evolutionary plasticity.

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Integrating function and ecology in studies of adaptation: investigations of locomotor capacity as a model system

Article Abstract:

Research into investigations of locomotor capacity as a model system is reviewed with focus on integrating function and ecology in studies of adaptation. Lizards, birds, and marine mammals are featured. It is argued that for the study of adaptation to go forward, more integration of laboratory study of performance and behavioral ecological studies is needed. How the environment affects locomotor function in nature is considered and so is what percentage of locomotor capacities animals use in nature. Widespread effects of the environment on measures of locomotor function have been shown.

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