CD AND CE

Patterns of phenotypic variation and their effect on the extent of range overlap and magnitude of character displacement

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Much work on species distributions and phenotypic variation has focused on biogeographical and environmental explanations, but interactions between species may also play an important role. When related species come together in secondary contact they may diverge in traits that facilitates their coexistence, or they may competitively exclude each other from their ranges. I propose to examine patterns of phenotypic variation in Pogoniulus tinkerbirds across the sub-Saharan African landscape. Previous work found evidence for character displacement in song and morphology in two related Pogoniulus species in Central Africa. I will compare those patterns with morphological, song, and plumage variation over a wider geographic scale to determine the extent to which variation in plumage, song and body size between species at contact zones relate to each other. I will thus address the question of whether phenotypic traits are displaced in the same direction when related species coexist or whether greater similarity in one trait may be offset by greater divergence in another. Finally, I will determine the relationship between phenotypic and genetic similarity and range overlap, while taking into account the role of environmental gradients in determining species’ ranges.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Scientists have revealed how populations of similar African bird species can influence each other's behaviour and appearance.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

There is a large body of research on how the environment can greatly influence an animal's physical appearance and where it lives. However, new research shows that simply resembling other coexisting animal species can have an influence on behaviour such as bird song.

The EU-funded CD AND CE project was set up to further research this phenomenon in the field, something no previous study has done. The project focused on how genetics and physical similarities can affect interactions between related African birds, specifically regarding song, plumage and body size.

Scientists observed these traits in two similar-looking tinkerbird species by comparing populations in closely overlapping habitats to those in habitats further apart. Their findings showed intriguing relationships between tinkerbird species, which are indeed influenced by their genetic similarity and the degree of habitat overlap.

Part of the project was also dedicated to human capacity development. It established a graduate programme in biodiversity and ecology, the first of its kind offered in Cyprus.

CD AND CE's phylogenetic research into bird behaviour is expected to transform our scientific understanding of key concepts in population ecology. It also highlights the importance of the previously unexamined role of genetic and physical relatedness in determining behaviour amongst coexisting species.