Ecological effects on morphometric development of the Indian Eagle Owl Bubo bengalensis

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S. Pande
N. Dahanukar

Abstract

Univariate analysis based on logistic growth curve fitting and multivariate analysis using principle component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze complex patterns and correlations in morphometric data from 16 individuals of the Indian Eagle Owl Bubo bengalensis from the Deccan Plateau. Wing chord length, tarsus length, claw length, beak length, tail length and weight were measured from hatching until fledging (1-58 days old) . A logistic growth curve showed a good fit for all characters. Different characters showed different growth patterns according to their function in the developing nestling. PCA analysis revealed that different morphological characters are loosely coupled together during growth, and this could be attributed to the behavioural ecology of nestlings. By comparing the patterns in our data with data published from southern India, we also show that there is plasticity in the development in these geographically isolated populations.

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Section
Communications
Author Biographies

S. Pande

Satish Pande is a fellow of the Maharashtra Academy of Sciences. He is an interventional vascular radiologist and associate professor of radiology at B.J. Medical College, Pune and post-gradute guide for Radiology. He conducts research in ecology and field ornithology and has conducted several surveys. He has made several video films on raptors (eagles, falcons and owls) ecology, marine ecosystem and conservation.

N. Dahanukar

Neelesh Dahanukar works in ecology and evolutionary biology with an emphasis on mathematical and statistical analysis.

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