Comment on "Rapid advance of spring arrival dates in long-distance migratory birds".
Jonzén et al. (Reports, 30 June 2006, p. 1959) proposed that the rapid advance of spring migration dates of long-distance migrants throughout Europe reflects an evolutionary response to climate change. However, most migrants should not advance their migration time because the phenology of their breeding grounds has not changed. It is more likely that migration speed has changed in response to improved environmental circumstances.
Both
Christiaan
C
Animal Ecology Group, Centre of Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Post Office Box 14, 9750AA Haren, Netherlands. c.both@rug.nl
D000349:Africa; D025041:Animal Migration; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001717:Birds / Q000502:physiology*; D002980:Climate; D005426:Flight, Animal; D007558:Italy; D012537:Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; D012621:Seasons