Science
Daily ? Recent research has revealed that by feeding
spiders to their chicks, birds can manipulate the personality and learning
ability of their
young.
In a report recently
published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, University of
Glasgow researchers reveal that birds preferentially feed their young spiders
containing taurine.
Taurine is an amino acid which is also
found in breast milk and energy drinks. The beneficial qualities of taurine
include aiding the development of premature babies and reducing blood pressure
in human adults, but it has not previously been known how taurine influences the
development of birds.
By comparing the behaviour of wild blue
tits that were fed a taurine supplement, mimicking a diet rich in spiders, with
blue tits that were not, researchers were able to observe the long term impacts
of this vital nutrient.
Lead researcher Dr Kate Arnold said: ?We
found that taurine has a significant impact on the personality and memory of the
birds. Those who were fed taurine as chicks were on average much bolder and
better at learning in adulthood, than their counterparts who were not fed the
extra taurine. This is the first time that we have been able to fully explain
why birds feed their young spiders at a particular stage in their development
and how parents can permanently alter the behaviour of their offspring via the
food that they select.?
Note: This story has been adapted from
a news release issued by University Of Glasgow.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070824220328.htm
