So much fun & learning happened in this PhD that it seemed impossible it could all fit in three years. Tremendous thanks to my supervisor @josephtobias.bsky.social , former lab mates & many friends @ra-barber.bsky.social, and Cris and Gavin for making the final day truly enjoyable.

Our results support the ‘thin-air’ hypothesis, suggesting that elevational constraints on flight efficiency are a general mechanism shaping wing evolution in flying animals. (6/8)

We also show that wing-shape gradients are generally steeper at highest elevations, where aerodynamic and physiological challenges are most extreme. (5/8)

The results of phylogenetic analyses on all extant birds confirm that species living at higher elevations have increased wing elongation (hand-wing index) and wing area, even accounting for 8 factors related to climate, habitat and species ecology, including migration. (4/8)

However, testing this idea is not straightforward and previous results are mixed, partly because other factors associated with higher elevation - including elevational migration and differences in foraging ecology – may drive parallel or opposing trends in wing morphology. (3/8)

Do montane birds evolve more efficient wing shapes for flying at high elevations? Our global analysis published today suggests that they do! 🧵(1/8)⬇️ www.cell.com/current-biol....

Arts of 2024 🎨 (from four.. continents! 😲🙊)