Global database of bird species shows how body shape predicts lifestyle

A database of 10,000 bird species shows how measurements of wings, beaks and tails can predict a species' role in an ecosystem, according to a study led by UCL and Imperial College London. Given that many bird species perform important ecological functions, such as pollinating plants, spreading seeds, or controlling pests, the database may help scientists to understand and predict how the loss of species will affect ecosystem health. A global team of researchers visited museums around the world to find specimens of nearly 10,000 species, covering more than 99 percent of all known bird species. Their results, and the database, are published today in Nature Ecology and Evolution . The link between body form of each animal species and aspects of their lifestyle, including diet, has previously been proposed, but this is the first time it has been confirmed at such a large scale and with such precise detail. The study's first author, Dr Alex Pigot (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment) said: "Our results suggest that evolution is a predictable process. If we were to 're-run the tape of life', then evolution likely would once again lead to very similar-looking organisms to the ones we see today." "Being able to quantify each animal's vital role in the functioning of the biosphere is really important in understanding impacts of the current extinction and climate crisis," he added.