THE RELATION BETWEEN THE LONGEVITY AND SO CIAL-ORGANIZATION IN FREE-LIVING SHOREBIRDS (CHARADRII, AVES)

Published data on the longevity in 36 shorebird species of the Western Palearctic were used. The allometric equation for the longevity in fr ee-living shorebirds (T-max, years) as a function of their body mass ( m, g) was calculated: T-max = 5.58m(0.206), n = 36, r = 0.48, r(2) = 2 4% This equation significantly differs from the previously obtained on es for other bird species. The relation between the longevity in shore birds and their mating system was found, On the average the monogamous species live longer than the polygamous ones. The relation between th e longevity in shorebirds and their parental care systems was also est ablished. On the average the species in which both parents jointly car e for offsprings live longer than the species in which only one parent cares for offsprings.