The Gouldian finch female has a neat trick for maximizing her offspring's chance of survival: If she mates with a male who is a poor match for her genetically, she increases the proportion of male chicks in the resulting brood. In a new study, researchers say they've found unprecedented evidence that these birds can exert control over the gender of their offspring. The endangered finch, native to the northern savannahs of Australia, can have either a black or red head, and the two different "morphs" have significant genetic differences, lead researcher Sarah Pryke says.
"Gouldian finches wear their genes on their head so it is easy for a female to assess the genetic suitability of the male," she says [Australian Broadcasting Corporation].
The birds prefer to mate with males that have the same head coloring, as chicks
from a mismatched mating - particularly the females - are weaker and more ...
