Ontogenetic Approach to Studying Natural Avian Populations

P. D. Vengerov

Voronezh State Biosphere Reserve, St. Grafskaya, Voronezh, 394080 Russia

Received April 23, 2001

Abstract—The asymmetry of digit folidosis and the correlation of exterior characteristics have been studied in
20 passerine species. The level of the characteristic asymmetry depends on the phylopatry level and regularly
increases in the species disposed to annual change of the nesting site. We assume that the revealed variability
reflects interpopulation flow of genes. Age-, sex-, and biotope-related changes associated with urbanization
have been revealed in the correlation of characteristics. Older birds have more pronounced correlation of char-
acteristics; it is also more specific for males than females. Correlation of characteristics is less pronounced in
the urban avian populations. These differences are interpreted in terms of stabilizing selection within intraspe-
cific groups.

Key words: fluctuating asymmetry, correlation of morphological characteristics, passerine birds.

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