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Blood parasitism, immunity and reproduction in American kestrels (Falco sparverius L.).
- Format:
- Book
- Thesis/Dissertation
- Author/Creator:
- Apanius, Victor.
- Language:
- English
- Subjects (All):
- Immunology.
- Physiology.
- Ecology.
- 0329.
- 0433.
- 0982.
- Local Subjects:
- 0329.
- 0433.
- 0982.
- Physical Description:
- 303 pages
- Contained In:
- Dissertation Abstracts International 52-07B.
- System Details:
- Mode of access: World Wide Web.
- text file
- Summary:
- Observations and experiments in avian reproductive ecology have demonstrated the physiological adaptations and the reproduction-survival trade-off associated with breeding. This work addresses whether host-parasite relationships covary with reproductive performance in birds. Reproductive success of American kestrels (Aves; Falconiformes; Falco sparverius L.) using nest boxes in eastern Pennsylvania was monitored between 1987 and 1989. The prevalence of Trypanosoma bennetti (Zoomastigophorea; Kinetoplastida) averaged 25% during the breeding season, with patent infections occurring more frequently in males nesting late in the breeding season. The prevalence of Haemoproteus tinnunculi (Sporozoea; Haemosporina) averaged 85% and parasitemic intensities were low, but repeatable during the breeding season. Intensities were greater in birds with lower reproductive success. In addition, kestrels showed decreases in leukocyte levels and serum IgG concentrations and increases in parasitemic intensities as the birds progressed through the reproductive cycle. This information suggests that the energetic limitation that affects reproductive success also influences the intensity of parasitism. Furthermore, it appears that immune function wanes as cumulative parental effort increases during the breeding cycle, regardless of reproductive success. This constitutes the first evidence that immunity is modulated downward during the avian reproductive cycle, perhaps as an energy-sparing tactic. To the extent that the changes in immunity engender increased morbidity and mortality, the results suggest that reallocation of metabolizable energy from immune function to reproductive effort may constitute a component of the cost of reproduction in birds.
- Notes:
- Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 52-07, Section: B, page: 3393.
- Supervisor: Robert E. Ricklefs.
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Pennsylvania, 1991.
- Local Notes:
- School code: 0175.
- Access Restriction:
- Restricted for use by site license.
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