Stimulus Material for depth studies , courtesy of Macquarie University ( continued )
Hot weather is bad news for bird sperm and size
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Stimulus Material for depth studies , courtesy of Macquarie University ( continued )
Hot weather is bad news for bird sperm and size
A new study led by Macquarie University ’ s Laura L Hurley ( Biological Sciences ) has shown that exposure to extreme temperatures , such as those experienced during heatwave conditions , significantly reduces sperm quality in zebra finches .
These findings , published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B , suggest that rising global temperatures and increases in the frequency of extreme heat events could be a concern for male fertility and reproductive success in some birds .
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Another study by Macquarie University ’ s Samuel Andrew ( Biological Sciences ) and colleagues , and published in The Auk : Ornithological Advances , has found that warming temperatures may cause birds to shrink .
By measuring adult European House Sparrows at 30 locations across Australia and New Zealand , they found that maximum temperatures during summer — when the birds breed — were a better predictor of adult body size at each location than winter minimum temperatures .
Find out more Photo by Laura Hurley . Syllabus links : Biology Module 3 Inquiry question : What is the relationship between evolution and biodiversity ?
FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
22 SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL NEWS VOL 67 NO 3