Sooty Tern (Sterna fuscata) Science Article 2
abstract
A previous report (Zhang and Whittow 1992) described the patterns of embryonic oxygen consumption and organ growth in the Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Puffinusp acificusI)n. the presents tudy, similar data were obtained for the Sooty Tern. There are some similaritiesb etween the eggso f the two species. The sequence of events during pipping, which had animportant effect on organ growth in shearwater embryos, is similar in terns and shearwaters (Pettit and Whittow 1983, Whittow 1985). The maturity of the hatchling is also similar; both are designated to be semiprecocial (Pettit et al. 1984). However, there are also differences between the two species as well. The incubation period of the Wedge-tailed Shearwater’s egg, but not that of the Sooty Tern’s, is prolonged (Whittow 1980). Incubation temperature is 3oC higher in the Sooty Tern (Rahn et al. 1976). Incubation also is different; the Sooty Tern lays its egg directly on the ground whereas the shearwater’s egg is protected by the burrow in which it is laid.
Q. ZHANG & G. C. WHITTOW, The Auk: Vol. 110, No. 4