article thumbnail

Every sperm is sacred

10,000 Birds

If you’re feeling particularly science-y, the full paper is here.). By studying Zebra Finches and domestic chickens, the scientists discovered that multiple sperm appear necessary for a fertilized egg to progress to the embryo stage (a process called “polyspermy”.) But it points to new areas ripe for investigation.

Zebras 145
article thumbnail

Birding Sepilok, Borneo (Part 2)

10,000 Birds

Even to the author of the paper, who cautiously adds that “nest architecture is unlikely to be irrelevant to females, and its role deserves further investigation” (if swear words were allowed on 10,000 Birds, I would say that he is trying to cover his ass).

Sri Lanka 205
article thumbnail

Great Tit Telomeres, Baby Talk, Brainy Birds

10,000 Birds

In this study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a group of juvenile zebra finches was allowed to interact with an adult. Adult zebra finches change their vocalizations when singing to juveniles. Another group simply heard adult songs played through a speaker.

Mammals 108