Arctic seabirds exhibit lower heat resilience and are more susceptible to the impacts of climate change
The Arctic continues to experience rapid warming, posing significant challenges for its cold-adapted species, such as the thick-billed murre. A new study led by researchers from McGill University, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, sheds light on the impact of heat stress on this vulnerable species.
The study, titled "Limited heat tolerance in a cold-adapted seabird: implications of a warming Arctic," suggests that the thick-billed murre's limited heat tolerance may explain their mortalities on warm weather days. The research team, comprising Caroline E. Wilcox, Jessica L. Yorzinski, and Daniel T. C. Cox, found that murres have the lowest cooling efficiency ever reported in birds, indicating a poor ability to dissipate heat.
Thick-billed murres, known for their dense colony nesting along cliff ledges, are poorly adapted for coping with Miami Heat temperatures. Their high metabolic rate relative to their size causes them to expend a high amount of energy when cooling off, producing more heat. The study's findings indicate that larger thick-billed murres are more sensitive to heat stress than smaller ones, further highlighting the vulnerability of this Arctic species.
McGill University, consistently ranked as one of the top universities nationally and internationally, has signed sustainability declarations affirming its role in shaping a future where people and the planet can flourish. The university's commitment to sustainability spans scales from local to global, with research activities spanning across two campuses, 11 faculties, 13 professional schools, 300 programs of study, and over 40,000 students.
The Arctic is warming at approximately twice the global rate, and this study marks the first to examine heat stress in large Arctic seabirds. The study's DOI is 10.1242/jeb.242168, and more information about the research can be found in the Journal of Experimental Biology.
For those interested in learning more about McGill University's sustainability efforts, visit their website at https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/. The university's website provides details about its ongoing research, initiatives, and programs dedicated to addressing climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
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