REPRODUCTIVE IMPLICATIONS OF EGG-SIZE VARIATION IN THE BLACK BRANT

We analyzed variation in egg size of Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans relation to clutch size, laying date, female age, year, and position in the laying sequence. A total of 3,478 eggs was measured over three years. Egg size increased with clutch size and female age, and decreased with laying date, year, and position in the laying sequence. We did not detect a negative phenotypic correlation between clutch size and egg size. However, overlap in total clutch volumes for clutches of different sizes indicated trade offs occurred among individuals with comparable investments in their clutches.