KingFisher's Daring Dive

    In the article posted by Science News we see a great article about Kingfisher birds. There are over 90 Kingfisher species ranging across 3 families, and they are known for their unusual hunting techniques. As a medium-sized bird, they are known to wait very still above the water. Once they find their prey, they make a free-fall nose dive into the water usually no deeper than 12 inches. That's where the genetics come into play. 

    These birds have different genetics than most other birds. They have discovered genes related to brain functions have mutated, and so have their retina and blood vessel development. It's not fully understood exactly how this protects these birds, but the adaptation of certain species has definitely protected their heads on the dive to their prey. This dive would cause a human to have a concussion, so how does this not affect the bird? They studied 30 samples, some from those who dive and some that don't, samples from all over the globe. They found 93 genes that signaled genetic change, and the one that stood out affected Tau proteins. These stabilize cell structure and make the bird more adapted to diving at such high velocity. More studies are required to have an exact understanding of this, but it sure is an amazing beginning.

    I personally think this is amazing regarding evolution. We have an example of how this species has adapted over a change in time through genetic evolution to withstand their hunting technique. If we further study this genetic change in this species, this may help us understand neurological diseases in humans. The tau protein is believed to be interrelated with Alzheimer's disease. A more in-depth analysis of this genetic mutation or adaptation may be able to change what we know about other species and even ourselves.

Source 1: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/how-diving-kingfishers-avoid-concussions 

Source 2: https://www.britannica.com/animal/kingfisher-bird 

Song Bird Tunes Linked to Genes

A study done by Kazuhiro Wada (neuretuologist) interbreed zebra and owl finches and looked at gene expression of the offspring. About 10% of the gene expression in the song nuclei were expressed differently between the two species, which could explain different songs in different birds. Another study was done where baby zebra finches were raised with adult owls to see if their songs would be influenced, but it was not. They did mimic the owls partly, but there were still characteristics of their own species song. This can suggest that genetics play a role in different songs.

I do agree and believe the research that was conducted is correct. I think it is extremely fascinating that many birds have these characteristics because of genetics. I see it as a natural instinct, rather than a choice they are making. Sometimes species do not need to be taught to do something, but it is because of what they are and I think that the research conveys that.



https://www.the-scientist.com/image-of-the-day/image-of-the-day--species-specific-songs-66718

Related Article:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191112140902.htm

High High in the Sky

In Sweden's Lund University scientist conducted research on two birds the Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) and the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) to measure the acceleration, barometric pressure, and temperature as they migrate from Sweden to Africa.

They found that these Small birds both flew at higher then expected altitudes, almost 4,000 meters in the air. The Great Reed Warbler at top high flew at 3,950 meters and Red-backed Shrike at 3,650 meters. These are values that shocked the scientists.

"It is fascinating and it raises new questions about the physiology of birds. How do they cope wih the air pressure, thin air and low temperatures at these hights?," says Sissel Sjoberg, biologist at lund university and the Zoological Museum in Copenhagen. (1)

SIssel Sjoberg hypothesizes that other smaller birds also fly at these extreme heights, and may even fly higher when they migrate back during the spring. These birds are no taller then a Budgie, they amount of specialization and evolution that went down to allow for their tiny bodies to withstand such forces amazes me. It does not seem possible but this new information has given rise to more questions.

References:
1- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180806104250.htm
2- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jav.01821