Question

A cuckoo laying eggs in the nest of other species of birds, is an example of

• A. Adelphoparasitism
• B. Brood parasitism
• C. Ectoparasitism
• D. Hyperparasitism

Answer 1

The correct option is B Brood parasitism

Many species are brood parasites as they lay their eggs in the nests of other species, but the majority of species raise their own young. An example of brood parasite is female European Cuckoos lay their eggs only in the nests of other species of birds. A cuckoo egg usually closely mimics the eggs of the host (one of whose eggs is often removed by the cuckoo). The host may recognize the intruding egg and abandon the nest, or it may incubate and hatch the cuckoo egg. Shortly after hatching, the young European Cuckoo, using a scoop-like depression on its back, instinctively shoved over the edge of the nest any solid object that it contacts. With the disappearance of their eggs and rightful young, the foster parents are free to devote all of their care to the young cuckoo. Frequently this is an awesome task, since the cuckoo chick often grows much larger than the host adults long before it can care for itself.