An electrophoretic approach to the systematics of Italian gulls and terns (Aves, Laridae and Sternidae)

SUMMARY The systematics of Lari (Aves Charadriiformes) has been extensively studied on the basis of biometrical, ethological and external morphological characters; yet no conclusive results have been achieved by the different authors. Another point of discussion is raised by the phylogenetic relationships among the many species belonging to the families Laridae and Sternidae, with a very important adaptive radiation, now showing extremely dynamic demographic trends (ample fluctuations in tern population, quick expansion of many gull species). The «Progetto Laridae» provided useful information on population estimates, colony structure, dynamics of the 10 species now breeding in Italy. On this basis we undertook an electrophoretic analysis of blood proteins and enzymes, in an attempt to solve the problems of the systematics of Italian Lari by using the methods of molecular biology, only rarely used when studying this group. Blood samples from approximately 260 chicks belonging to five species of Laridae: La...