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Gens (behaviour)

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In animal behaviour, a gens (plural gentes) is a race of host specific brood parasite. Brood parasites, such as cuckoos, which use multiple hosts to raise their chicks, evolve different gentes specific to the various hosts they utilise. This specialisation allows the parasites to lay eggs that mimic those of their hosts, which in turn reduces the chances of the eggs being rejected by the hosts. The exact mechanisms of the evolution and maintenance of gens is still a matter of some research.

References

  • Davies, N. (2000) Cuckoos, Cowbirds and other Cheats. T. & A. D. Poyser: London ISBN 0-85661-135-2
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