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Workers at Aberystwyth University have reported that Great tits (Parus major) in 20 UK cities currently sing at a higher pitch than their more rural cousins (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/8079539.stm) . This is presumably an adaptation to facilitate the transmission of the threatening and seductive messages in the songs over the noise of traffic in urban locations. The oddity is that these birds now apparently have difficulty recognising the songs of birds from out of town. It could even drive speciation.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Soprano Tits!
Workers at Aberystwyth University have reported that Great tits (Parus major) in 20 UK cities currently sing at a higher pitch than their more rural cousins (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/8079539.stm) . This is presumably an adaptation to facilitate the transmission of the threatening and seductive messages in the songs over the noise of traffic in urban locations. The oddity is that these birds now apparently have difficulty recognising the songs of birds from out of town. It could even drive speciation.
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