Adult penguins are seen for the desire to be fed by parents
People are not alone in the desire to support their already grown children who have left parental nest: scientists have discovered this behavior among Galapagos penguins.
A group of ornithologists from the University of Washington led by Professor of biology Di Borsoi from 2006 to 2015 led monitoring Galapagos penguins and found that the Chicks fledged adults sometimes return to their parents and beg food, and they continue to feed the growing offspring, provided large quantities of food.
“We have collected enough evidence showing that the parents care about already fledged Chicks is the norm, although not common,” said Boorsma, reports Science Daily.
Scientists know that many birds continue to feed their offspring after the tail, at least for a limited period of time, however, among the 18 species of penguins such behavior previously was observed only in gentoo. Now the feeding of adult offspring was confirmed among Galapagos penguins.
In particular, the researchers saw adults Chicks begging for food have just completed a hunt penguins. Because these birds are distinguished each other by their voices, ornithologists believe that they are asking for food from their parents. At the same time, not related to Chicks penguins usually ignore them or try to bite.
Experts notice that parents have been generous toward their adult children only if large quantities of food.
In times of famine they could just get rid of the offspring.
Scientists believe that such behavior of the Galapagos penguins contribute to maintaining the number of their species and ensure the renewal of nature.