Date of Award:

5-1-1977

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Biology

Department name when degree awarded

Life Sciences:Biology

Committee Chair(s)

Keith L. Dixon

Committee

Keith L. Dixon

Committee

J. Gessaman

Committee

M. L. Wolfe

Abstract

This study attempts to quantify role specialization in breeding Killdeers with respect to territorial and parental behavior. Individual birds were trapped at the nest and marked. Birds were sexed by their positions in copulation. Behavioral units were determined and described and the occurrences of discrete and continuous behaviors were tabulated and timed. Statistical comparisons of the frequency of occurrence, and the mean and total amounts of time spent performing agonistic and parental behaviors are used to quantify the degree of role specialization in this species and to document changes in behavior through different stages of the breeding cycle. The degree of role specialization and the type of territoriality exhibited by the Killdeer are discussed with respect to their evolutionary significance. Reproductive strategies are seen to differ for the sexes and to affect the degree of role specialization practiced. It is suggested that the amount of role specialization manifested may be controlled by hormone levels. Territoriality is viewed as a spacing mechanism which helps to reduce predation by dispersing nests. Site and mate fidelity represent a means of maximizing reproductive output by reducing the time and energy expended in territory establishment and pairing.

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