BIOL359 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Oxpecker, Bird Louse, Housefly
26 Apr 2013
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Chapter 10: studying adaptation: evolutionary analysis of form and function. Rock pigeons: tiny hooks on the tips of their beaks, better able to kill the feather-eating lice while preening, maintains superior feather, better at keeping warm, evading predators & attracting mates. Experiment: captured 26 pigeons, trimmed the tip of their beaks: hookless pigeons grew lousier, heavily infested with parasites, those allowed to regrow their hooks had falling parasite loads. Adaptation: a trait or integrated suite of traits, that increases the fitness of its possessor. Individual possess the trait contribute more genes to future generations than individuals lacking it. Conventional wisdom can be dangerously seductive, all hypotheses must be tested. Traditional answer: oxpeckers need an easy meal of ticks & a safer place to stay, they can also clean the wounds & hosts are happy to oblige in return for a free cleaning mutually advantageous.
