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Exercise and reduced muscle mass in starlings

Author

Listed:
  • John P. Swaddle

    (Centre for Behavioural Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol)

  • Andrew A. Biewener

    (Centre for Behavioural Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol)

Abstract

Muscles are often viewed as force- producing structures that increase or decrease in size according to their activity1,2. But an increased muscle mass, although desirable for extra power, may also impose unwanted costs. Here we show that flight-muscle mass in starlings induced to perform more take-off flights actually decreases as a result of exercise. Our findings indicate that birds can strategically regulate a lower muscle mass to make themselves lighter and so cut flying costs without compromising their flight performance. This suggets that muscle size may be influenced by factors other than workload.

Suggested Citation

  • John P. Swaddle & Andrew A. Biewener, 2000. "Exercise and reduced muscle mass in starlings," Nature, Nature, vol. 406(6796), pages 585-586, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:406:y:2000:i:6796:d:10.1038_35020695
    DOI: 10.1038/35020695
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