Mountain ecosystems are characterized by extreme altitudinal gradients, rapid climatic changes, and unique habitat structures. These challenges have driven the evolution of specialized adaptations in the avian populations that inhabit these areas both year-round or during specific stages of the annual cycle. Mountain birds who encounter fluctuating temperature patterns, restricted oxygen levels, and unpredictable resource availability, provide a valuable context for investigating eco-evolutionary processes associated with local adaptations. While previous research has characterized the physiological, morphological, and genetic responses in mountain birds, a comprehensive understanding of how these adaptations influence ecological interactions and behavioral strategies remains elusive. This Research Topic aims to bring together research that bridges this gap by delving into the intricate interplay between local adaptation, eco-physiological and evolutionary dynamics, and behavioral patterns in mountain birds. The insights gained not only will advance our understanding of eco-evolutionary processes but also hold implications for conservation efforts in mountain ecosystems.
The overarching aim of this Research Topic is to unravel the intricate mechanisms of local adaptation in mountain birds' ecology and behavior, shedding light on how these avian species have finely tuned their biological and behavioral traits to thrive in challenging mountainous environments. While previous studies have explored aspects of physiological adaptation and genetic variation, there is a pressing need for a holistic approach to understand how these adaptations translate into ecological interactions and behavioral strategies. Recent advances in genomics, telemetry, and behavioral observation techniques provide promising avenues to delve deeper into these questions. By bringing together studies that combine field observations, genomic and eco-physiological analysis, and ecological modeling, this special issue aspires to provide comprehensive insights into the interplay between local adaptation, ecological dynamics, and behavioral responses. These insights have the potential not only to enrich our fundamental understanding of evolutionary processes but also to inform practical conservation strategies for safeguarding these unique and vulnerable mountain ecosystems.
This Research Topic aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of local adaptation in mountain birds' ecology, evolution, and behavior, fostering a deeper understanding of how these avian species thrive in challenging mountain environments. We welcome contributions that investigate diverse themes including altitudinal variation, thermal physiology, niche partitioning, genetic diversity, breeding strategies, altitudinal migration patterns, communication, and the impact of human activities on mountain bird populations. Authors are encouraged to submit original research articles, reviews, and methodological papers. Manuscripts employing innovative approaches such as genomics, telemetry, behavioral observations, and ecological modeling to elucidate the intricate interplay between local adaptation, ecological dynamics, and behavioral responses are of particular interest. This Research Topic aims to enhance our knowledge of evolutionary processes in mountain ecosystems and provide practical insights for conservation efforts.
Keywords:
Mountain Birds, Local Adaptation, Ecology, Physiology, Evolution, Behavior, Altitudinal Variation
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Mountain ecosystems are characterized by extreme altitudinal gradients, rapid climatic changes, and unique habitat structures. These challenges have driven the evolution of specialized adaptations in the avian populations that inhabit these areas both year-round or during specific stages of the annual cycle. Mountain birds who encounter fluctuating temperature patterns, restricted oxygen levels, and unpredictable resource availability, provide a valuable context for investigating eco-evolutionary processes associated with local adaptations. While previous research has characterized the physiological, morphological, and genetic responses in mountain birds, a comprehensive understanding of how these adaptations influence ecological interactions and behavioral strategies remains elusive. This Research Topic aims to bring together research that bridges this gap by delving into the intricate interplay between local adaptation, eco-physiological and evolutionary dynamics, and behavioral patterns in mountain birds. The insights gained not only will advance our understanding of eco-evolutionary processes but also hold implications for conservation efforts in mountain ecosystems.
The overarching aim of this Research Topic is to unravel the intricate mechanisms of local adaptation in mountain birds' ecology and behavior, shedding light on how these avian species have finely tuned their biological and behavioral traits to thrive in challenging mountainous environments. While previous studies have explored aspects of physiological adaptation and genetic variation, there is a pressing need for a holistic approach to understand how these adaptations translate into ecological interactions and behavioral strategies. Recent advances in genomics, telemetry, and behavioral observation techniques provide promising avenues to delve deeper into these questions. By bringing together studies that combine field observations, genomic and eco-physiological analysis, and ecological modeling, this special issue aspires to provide comprehensive insights into the interplay between local adaptation, ecological dynamics, and behavioral responses. These insights have the potential not only to enrich our fundamental understanding of evolutionary processes but also to inform practical conservation strategies for safeguarding these unique and vulnerable mountain ecosystems.
This Research Topic aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of local adaptation in mountain birds' ecology, evolution, and behavior, fostering a deeper understanding of how these avian species thrive in challenging mountain environments. We welcome contributions that investigate diverse themes including altitudinal variation, thermal physiology, niche partitioning, genetic diversity, breeding strategies, altitudinal migration patterns, communication, and the impact of human activities on mountain bird populations. Authors are encouraged to submit original research articles, reviews, and methodological papers. Manuscripts employing innovative approaches such as genomics, telemetry, behavioral observations, and ecological modeling to elucidate the intricate interplay between local adaptation, ecological dynamics, and behavioral responses are of particular interest. This Research Topic aims to enhance our knowledge of evolutionary processes in mountain ecosystems and provide practical insights for conservation efforts.
Keywords:
Mountain Birds, Local Adaptation, Ecology, Physiology, Evolution, Behavior, Altitudinal Variation
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.