If cowbird eggs are laid in an oropendola nest that is located near bee hives, what would be the expected outcome?
A) The cowbird eggs would be ejected from the nest to eliminate the competition.
B) The cowbird eggs would be ejected from the nest due to a reaction of the mother bird's immune system.
C) The cowbird eggs would not be ejected from the nest because they provide an additional food source.
D) The cowbird eggs would not be ejected from the nest because they provide protection from large predators.
E) The cowbird eggs would not be ejected from the nest because they provide protection from parasites.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cowbirds are known for their brood parasitism, where they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species. The host birds often eject the foreign eggs to eliminate competition for their own offspring. The proximity to bee hives is irrelevant to this behavior.

If Cowbird Eggs Are Laid in an Oropendola Nest That