Interspecific differences in mixed function oxidase activity in birds: a tool to identify 'species at risk'

The aim of this study was to explore the influence of diet on the development of interspecific differences in the detoxication capacity of the mixed function oxidase (MFO) system (monooxygenase) among birds. The role of MFO activity in the detoxication/bioaccumulation of organochlorines (e.g., PCBs) was also investigated. Seven different species of birds were analysed: the yellow-legged herring gull (Larus cachinnans), black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus), jackdaw (Corvus monedula), magpie (Pica pica), cormorant, (Phalacrocorax carbo), coot (Fulica atra) and sparrow (Passer italiae). These species have different feeding habits ranging from omnivorous species like the yellow-legged herring gull to specialist and stenophagic species like the cormorant. This preliminary study confirms the relationship between feeding habits and evolutionary interspecific differences in MFO activity.