Advertisement

Futureproof Extra: The Eight-Sided Robin's Egg

In the natural world, mimicry can be a very useful trait - one that might serve any number of pur...

Share this article

07.30 23 Mar 2021


Futureproof Extra: The Eight-Sided Robin's Egg



Share this article

07.30 23 Mar 2021


In the natural world, mimicry can be a very useful trait - one that might serve any number of purposes.

It is so ubiquitous, and seen in so many species, that animals have to be quite discerning when trying to weed out a pretender.

But it can be pretty hard even for animals who are constantly targeted - like Robins, and their beautiful blue eggs.

But how sensitive are they to foreign invaders? 

Dr Mark Hauber, Professor of Host-Parasite Interactions in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign joins to discuss.

Listen and subscribe to Futureproof with Jonathan McCrea on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

  

Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.

  

You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.


Read more about

Blue Eggs Cuckoo Futureproof Intruders Invasion Jonathan Mccrea Mimicry Newstalk Ornothology Robins Robins' Nest Science

Related Episodes

DUBLIN DEFEAT DERRY: Dessie Fa...

00:17:22

DUBLIN DEFEAT DERRY: Dessie Farrell and Paddy Tally reaction | Jonathan Higgins reports

OTB GAA

00:17:22


OFFALY BEAT DUBLIN: Johnny Kel...

00:07:04

OFFALY BEAT DUBLIN: Johnny Kelly and Niall Ó Ceallacháin reaction | Jonathan Higgins reports

OTB GAA

00:07:04


FOOTBALL SATURDAY | United's g...

01:17:29

FOOTBALL SATURDAY | United's great escape | The LOI boom is here | Carla Ward era

OTB Football

01:17:29


Tipperary vs Cork Preview | No...

00:32:33

Tipperary vs Cork Preview | Nostalgic fixture | Tommy Dunne & Seánie McGrath

OTB GAA

00:32:33