Birds extended our idea of ​​shared parenting

They say that a child finds a village to raise; For these birds, it is no different. Fantastic starling not only helps to increase the chicks of other starling, but they also switch between the roles of “parents” and “Nani” many times throughout their lifetime.

Scientists have long debated whether animals other than humans are capable of mutuality – the tendency to help individuals in the hope that they will help you down on the road. Recent research has revealed that animals such as animals, orkas and some primets take care of the youth of others.

By analyzing 20 years of data from the reproductive site of African luxurious starling (Lamprabula) In Kenya, researchers found that birds also demonstrated this complex social behavior. By 16, the “auxiliary” birds will assist the set of parents in raising their chicks.

While the birds showed some preference to help those who were genetically relating to those who were easily related-and accept help from non-non-groups. This discovery also underlines the notion that only the person concerned acts philanthropically to each other while following the youth.

Particularly uncommon was that the reproductive pair often turned into a supporting role during the next reproductive season. In species where animals act as “nannies” for others, they are usually young individuals who benefit from experience before graduating for paternity. Here, even experienced bird parents also turn into assistants.

“These benefits are likely to combine and interact in an attractive way we do not fully understand,” says Gerry Carter At the University of Princeton.

Authors say this discovery was not possible with short -term studies, as the pattern emerged only in many years of observation. Carter says that about 10 percent of all bird species race cooperatively in bird species, and long -term studies can also reveal mutual relations in these groups.