By: Thomas C. Grubb

Hardcover

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This is the first book to summarize the methods, conceptual issues and results of studies using the interpretation of feather growth rates as an index to nutritional condition in birds. The author has coined the term ptilochronology (literally. 'the study of feather time') to describe this technique, which relies on the fat that as a feather grows it produces visible growth bars. Both the technique and its conceptual foundations have been applied worldwide to numerous studies of avian evolution, ecology, and conservation biology. the author reviews this work, chronicles the various criticisms that have been amde, and describes how these have influenced the development of ptilochronology. He goes on to suggest experimental methodologies and analytical techniques to safeguard against invalid results. a final chapter summarises this new technique's contribution to avian biology, and suggests potential applications and a future research agenda. an appendix details specific measurements and describes the methodology associated with ptilochronology.
Ptilochronology provides a practical resource as well as a conceptual understanding of how this technique can be used to address important questions in avian biology. It will be of relevance and use to professional avian biologists and ornithologists as well as to graduate students of avian behavioural ecology, evolution and conservation.

The book is written in an extremely accessible and non-technical style, which will help open up this area to study to a wide audience. Peter Moore,Bulletin of the British Ecological Society 2007, 38:1 ...this book brings together many published resources and we recommend it. Annika Samuelsen & Jim Quinn, McMaster University, Ontario. ISBE Newsletter, Volume 19, Issue 1 (Spring 2007)

Preface Part I. Basic Ptilochronology 1: Introduction 2: Can Reduced Nutritional Condition Really Cause Narrowed Growth Bars? 3: Does Any Factor Other Than Nutritional Condition Control Feather Growth? Part II. Applied Ptilochronology 4: Habitat Quality 5: Nutritional Consequences of Self-cached Food 6: Social Behavior 7: Individual Quality 8: Reproductive Effort 9: Nestling Condition 10: Prolonged Brood-Care 11: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead References Appendix

ISBN: 9780199295500
ISBN-10: 0199295506
Series: Oxford Ornithology Series
Audience: Tertiary; University or College
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 186
Published: 29th July 2006
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Dimensions (cm): 23.4 x 15.6  x 1.4
Weight (kg): 0.48