Research Training Program

Katherine Faust
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Terry Chesser, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Zoology, Birds

"This summer has been one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. The things I have seen, the friends I have made, and all that I have learned will forever have a profound effect on me."

Modern Techniques Used to Assess Variation in Amazonian Birds

One of the biggest challenges for biologists today is being able to classify the boundless variation that can be observed in the natural world. Often, organisms that appear very similar can actually be quite different. For a long time, ornithologists have classified birds by simply examining them and noticing differences in their plumage. Such a qualitative form of organization, however, may not accurately reflect their true evolutionary groupings. Now, with modern genetic and morphological techniques available, scientists can better examine variation between groups. This is especially useful and interesting when distinguishing between different subspecies of bird, which can sometimes be obscure and questionable groups. Three Amazonian antwren birds in the genus Myrmotherula (M. longipennis [Long-winged Antwren], M. menetriesii [Gray Antwren], and M. hauxwelli [Plain-throated Antwren]) are currently divided into several subspecies, first designated using only the human eye. No quantitative studies of their plumage or genetics have ever been performed before. We found that modern genetic and morphological data generally agrees with the traditional designations of subspecies for these birds. This is especially significant because it contrasts with similar data gathered from birds in temperate zones, where plumage varies more than genetics. It also emphasizes just how much biologists still have to learn about variation in the natural world.

This research was supported by a grant from the NMNH Office of the Director.

Letter of gratitude