Geometric morphometric methods show no shape differences between female and male kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) bills and claws

Southern Bird

Gray, LJ

关键词: geometric morphometrics;    Kakapo;    morphology;    museum study-skins;    Parrot;    Strigops habroptilus;   

学科分类：农业科学（综合）

来源: Ornithological Society of New Zealand Inc.

【 摘 要 】

Kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) are the only parrot species known to have a lek-based mating system. In competing for mating opportunities with females, males can fight intensely with one another, sometimes with fatal consequences. Males may have evolved more deeply hooked bills and raptorial claws than females if these confer advantage in conflicts with other males. We studied bill and claw shape in 28 museum specimens using geometric morphometrics and found no sex differences. While no claw shape sex differences were identified, we did find kākāpō lateral claws are significantly more hooked than their medial toe claws which are flatter. Claw shape in other parrot species has not yet been analysed via geometric morphometric methods, it is therefore unknown whether this claw-shape configuration is unique to kākāpō.

【 授权许可】

Unknown