Helpers at the nest may allow mother birds to lay smaller eggs

(St John's College, University of Cambridge) Cooperatively breeding birds and fish may have evolved the adaptive ability to reduce the size of their eggs when helpers are available to lighten the parental load, a new study suggests. The findings indicate that in some species, the social environment may influence female reproductive decisions even prior to the birth of offspring.

from EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science http://ift.tt/2A06lVY