EARLY WARNING

Early Bird Warning

Researchers have long known that chickens and birds can hear through their eggs—allowing them to imprint things like who their mother is, and after hatching enjoy the relationship and become capable of fending for themselves.

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However, recent research has found birds singing to their eggs late in development may give the young a headstart in dealing with warm weather once they hatch. The heat the parent bird feels from the weather will be given to their offspring as an early weather advisory right through the eggshell.

Blind but all faculties working

This acoustic signal is potentially being used to program the development of offspring. Hearing the call affects growth relative to the temperature that is experienced.

Animals have very subtle ways of inferring how the environment is likely to change, and (being able) to develop and adapt accordingly.

Mother patiently singing, waiting

(Adapted from www.Smithsonianmag.com)

Photos: Leela Panikar