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Researchers ponder the shape of birds' eggs
- Date:
- February 23, 2017
- Source:
- Wiley
- Summary:
- The shape of birds' eggs varies considerably, for reasons that are unclear, outlines a new report.
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The shape of birds' eggs varies considerably, for reasons that are unclear. The peculiarly elongated and pointed shape of the Common Guillemot's egg is thought to prevent it from rolling off the narrow cliff ledge it is laid on, but new research suggests instead that the shape has more to do with providing resistance against impacts and protection from fecal and other contamination.
"I have studied guillemots for over forty years and have never been convinced by the rolling explanation. It has been exciting coming up with new ideas and testing them," said Dr. Tim Birkhead, lead author of the Ibis study.
Story Source:
Materials provided by Wiley. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference:
- Tim R. Birkhead, Jamie E. Thompson, Duncan Jackson, John D. Biggins. The point of a Guillemot's egg. Ibis, 2017; DOI: 10.1111/ibi.12458
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Wiley. "Researchers ponder the shape of birds' eggs." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 23 February 2017. <www.sciencedaily.com
Wiley. (2017, February 23). Researchers ponder the shape of birds' eggs. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 19, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com
Wiley. "Researchers ponder the shape of birds' eggs." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com
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