Pregnant mongooses in a colony all give birth on the same night, a phenomenon that makes it harder for mothers to know which pups are their own. But according to research from last year, it actually works in their favor. ScienceMagArchives
Working with seven groups of mongooses in Uganda, scientists from the University of Exeter and the University of Roehampton manipulated the birth weights of pups by giving some, but not all, of the pregnant mongooses extra food. After giving birth, the well-fed mothers doted on the smaller pups born to the underfed mongooses by feeding, carrying, protecting, and grooming them more often than their own, larger pups.
"We predicted that a ‘veil of ignorance' would cause females to focus their care on the pups most in need" rather than their own offspring, Exeter evolutionary biologist Michael Cant said in a press release. In doing so, he adds, mongoose mothers minimize the risk that their future offspring could one day face a disadvantage—while evening the playing field for the whole colony.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Expectant Black mothers, facing higher mortality rates, turn to doulas and midwives for supportFor Ebon’Nae Bradley, helping expectant parents is more than a job — it’s her mission.
Consulte Mais informação »
Family and Friends honor 5-year-old boy who died after being pulled from pool“My son wouldn’t hurt a fly, he loved, loved being in the water.' Willie Alexander was just weeks away from turning 6 years old when he died after being pulled from a pool earlier this week. 💔
Consulte Mais informação »
‘The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress’ Makes Lunar Rebellion Fun“I feel like if you described it—accurately—as an instruction manual for building a catapult crossed with a libertarian manifesto/sales pitch, that would alienate everyone. But the book is really good, despite very much being about those two exact things.'
Consulte Mais informação »
The Stain on the Wall: How False Ideas Stick With UsWhat happened when people were paid to watch CNN instead of Fox News? ira_hyman explains how exposure to different ideas influences us.
Consulte Mais informação »
Denver's Five Points Looking To Thrive Once AgainDenver's Five Points is more than just another historical landmark. For Terri Gentry, it’s about highlighting her personal connection to the community.
Consulte Mais informação »
Help! I Think My Niece Is Hiding the Truth About Her Wedding.DearPrudie: Not only do I think this is going to be a disaster, but I know her mother will be horrified. Help!
Consulte Mais informação »