clhs sciblog

Some wonder, why do some birds sing simple tunes, and others much more complex?  According to studies by the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, the variance in climate is the largest factor.  The more a climate varies, the more complex songs birds sing.  NESCent researchers have been studying mockingbirds in different climates.  Climate patterns also affect survival and reproduction.  In harsh climates, it is important for birds to choose good mates.  It is believed that male mockingbirds that sing better and more complex songs attract more mates, likely have fewer parasites, and their offspring are more likely to survive.  Birds aren’t born able to sing songs.   They have to learn them over time.  After research by Carlos Botero to fill any gaps in previous research, it was proven that birds sing more elaborate songs in climates that have more varying temperatures.  For the full article, read here.

It is surprising to me that birds sing more appealing songs in varying and possibly harher climates.  I would have thought the exact opposite.  It would make sense to me that a bird in a constant climate would get to sing the same song and continue to get better at it by repitition.  But, the research by people much smarter than me proves the opposite.  It really is interesting to see these creatures God created and all the interesting things they are capable of doing.

Q4-2