Offspring of predator-stressed mothers grow their wings more quickly than chicks from predator-free females.
It seems that the constant threat of predation could have a more subtle effect on prey animals than first thought.
Female birds that are exposed to predators while they are ovulating produce smaller offspring than unexposed females, researchers have found. The chicks may be smaller, but surprisingly, their wings grow faster and longer than those of chicks from unexposed mothers — an adaptation that might make them better at avoiding predators in flight.
Lees meer: Nature News
It seems that the constant threat of predation could have a more subtle effect on prey animals than first thought.
Female birds that are exposed to predators while they are ovulating produce smaller offspring than unexposed females, researchers have found. The chicks may be smaller, but surprisingly, their wings grow faster and longer than those of chicks from unexposed mothers — an adaptation that might make them better at avoiding predators in flight.
Lees meer: Nature News
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