Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology Commons^™

Thermoregulation In Swimming Mallard Ducklings (Anas Platyrhynchos), Aaron James Lynott

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Temperature regulation in birds has been studied for several decades. However, most studies have been limited to the thermal effects of air. This is surprising considering the abundance of waterfowl and the significant amount of time that many birds spend immersed in water. While we do know that water has a thermal conductivity that is 23 times that of air, the effect of water temperature on temperature regulation remains unknown. Though the thermal effect of water seemingly has a strong influence on the thermoregulation of birds, neonatal aquatic birds seem particularly susceptible. Many aquatic neonates, such as mallard ducklings, enter …