Institute Seminar - Katherine Snell: Does the species-energy relationship persist in a dynamic environment characterised by flexible large-scale animal migration?

Migration is a key life-history stage for many avian species and underpins the distribution of biodiversity on Earth. The species-energy hypothesis states that energetics underlies spatial- and temporally-specific patterns; yet the energetic balance for free-flying migratory species is poorly understood due to the inherent difficulties in studying individuals across vast geographical scales. Using the Eurasian blackbird, with its multiple migratory phenotypes as a study species I aim utilize integrative and macro-evolutionary approaches to map the temporally specific energetic demands of a species across space and time. Empirically-derived macroevolutionary approach will allow us to test if the energy balance drives seasonal movements and which to conditions or resources explain this phenomena. I will introduce my research background and the main focus of my work here.