Habitat-selection hypothesis
Encyclopedia
Habitat selection hypothesis in an attempt to explain the mechanisms of brood parasite nest selection in cuckoos. In habitat selection hypothesis, a female cuckoo
retains recognition (is imprinted) of the habitat
type in which she was reared, and will subsequently return to this habitat type in order to lay eggs. Habitat might be defined as dry or wet, shrubby or forested, lakeside, etc. This habitat preference increases the likelihood of encountering the suitable host species, as most host species are known to be habitat specific. Thus, habitat selection is thought to allow for random host selection by the female cuckoo (Teuschl et al. 1998; Vogl et al. 2002). A major strength of the hypothesis is that provides a mechanism by which natural selection
could work.
Cuckoo
The cuckoos are a family, Cuculidae, of near passerine birds. The order Cuculiformes, in addition to the cuckoos, also includes the turacos . Some zoologists and taxonomists have also included the unique Hoatzin in the Cuculiformes, but its taxonomy remains in dispute...
retains recognition (is imprinted) of the habitat
Habitat
* Habitat , a place where a species lives and grows*Human habitat, a place where humans live, work or play** Space habitat, a space station intended as a permanent settlement...
type in which she was reared, and will subsequently return to this habitat type in order to lay eggs. Habitat might be defined as dry or wet, shrubby or forested, lakeside, etc. This habitat preference increases the likelihood of encountering the suitable host species, as most host species are known to be habitat specific. Thus, habitat selection is thought to allow for random host selection by the female cuckoo (Teuschl et al. 1998; Vogl et al. 2002). A major strength of the hypothesis is that provides a mechanism by which natural selection
Natural selection
Natural selection is the nonrandom process by which biologic traits become either more or less common in a population as a function of differential reproduction of their bearers. It is a key mechanism of evolution....
could work.