Birds of a feather?: Comparative Analysis of Evolutionary Convergence in Avian Brain Morphology of Raptors

Lead Author Affiliation

Biological Sciences

Lead Author Status

Undergraduate - 5th Year Senior

Second Author Affiliation

Biological Sciences

Second Author Status

Faculty Mentor

Faculty Mentor Name

Christopher Torres

Research or Creativity Area

Natural Sciences

Abstract

Birds of Prey, such as Falcons (Falconiformes) as well as Hawks and Eagles (Accipitriformes), are usually associated with one another due to their similar behaviors as vision-oriented hunters, as well as their associated physical traits. Despite this, molecular and genomic data point to the similarities between these 2 avian orders actually coming from the strong influence of convergent evolution from environmental pressure rather than any actual close relation. Falconiforms' relations fall more closely to 2 other orders of birds, the parrots (Psittaciformes) and the passerines or perching birds (Passeriformes), compared to that of Accipitriformes. As vision-based hunters, this convergence may be seen possibly in parts of the brain associated with these given functions and behaviors. My research focus is to see if certain parts of the brain morphology may provide insight into how these adaptations and structures reflect the similar ecological niches they inhabit, and if there are any ancestral associations that may support this convergence. By utilizing CT scanning technology and segmenting software, we can directly produce and segment endocasts of avian brains from preserved and living specimens to better understand and detect the nuances that may be present to address their shared behavior. By using the 3d modelled endocasts I produced for 3 specific birds, Haliaeetus vocifer, Falco biarmicus, and Falco peregrinus, as well as support from externally produced endocasts such as Pezoporus occidentalis, a nocturnal parrot,  I will be investigating and identifying what physical indicators may show how these similarities and differences are possibly reflected in their overall brain morphology.

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Birds of a feather?: Comparative Analysis of Evolutionary Convergence in Avian Brain Morphology of Raptors

Birds of Prey, such as Falcons (Falconiformes) as well as Hawks and Eagles (Accipitriformes), are usually associated with one another due to their similar behaviors as vision-oriented hunters, as well as their associated physical traits. Despite this, molecular and genomic data point to the similarities between these 2 avian orders actually coming from the strong influence of convergent evolution from environmental pressure rather than any actual close relation. Falconiforms' relations fall more closely to 2 other orders of birds, the parrots (Psittaciformes) and the passerines or perching birds (Passeriformes), compared to that of Accipitriformes. As vision-based hunters, this convergence may be seen possibly in parts of the brain associated with these given functions and behaviors. My research focus is to see if certain parts of the brain morphology may provide insight into how these adaptations and structures reflect the similar ecological niches they inhabit, and if there are any ancestral associations that may support this convergence. By utilizing CT scanning technology and segmenting software, we can directly produce and segment endocasts of avian brains from preserved and living specimens to better understand and detect the nuances that may be present to address their shared behavior. By using the 3d modelled endocasts I produced for 3 specific birds, Haliaeetus vocifer, Falco biarmicus, and Falco peregrinus, as well as support from externally produced endocasts such as Pezoporus occidentalis, a nocturnal parrot,  I will be investigating and identifying what physical indicators may show how these similarities and differences are possibly reflected in their overall brain morphology.