Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Limits to Natural Selection

Limits to Natural Selection

Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.For one, natural selection can only act upon existing genetic variation. Hypothetically, redtusks may enhance elephant survival by deterring ivory-seeking poachers. However, if there are no gene variants—or alleles—for redtusks, natural selection cannot increase the prevalence of...

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...

Frequency-dependent Selection

Frequency-dependent Selection

When the fitness of a trait is influenced by how common it is (i.e., its frequency) relative to different traits within a population, this is referred to as frequency-dependent selection. Frequency-dependent selection may occur between species or within a single species. This type of selection can either be positive—with more common phenotypes having higher fitness—or negative, with rarer phenotypes conferring increased fitness.Positive Frequency-Dependent SelectionIn positive...

What is Natural Selection?

What is Natural Selection?

Natural selection is an evolutionary process in which individuals with survival-promoting traits reproduce at higher rates. These favorable traits become more common within a population or species. Naturally selected traits initially arise via random genetic mutations. In order for selection to occur, there must be variation within a population, the trait controlling the variation must be heritable, and there must be an evolutionary advantage for variation in the trait.The Theory of Natural...

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Microorganisms evolve rapidly due to their large population sizes and short generation times, often exhibiting measurable changes within days under laboratory conditions. Natural selection acts on standing genetic variation, enabling the retention and amplification of beneficial traits that confer fitness advantages in changing environments.Adaptive Pigment Regulation in RhodobacterIn Rhodobacter, a genus of purple non-sulfur bacteria, light-harvesting pigments such as bacteriochlorophyll and...

Types of Selection

Types of Selection

Natural selection influences the frequencies of particular alleles and phenotypes within populations in several different ways. Primarily, natural selection can be directional, stabilizing, or disruptive. Directional selection favors one extreme trait and shifts the population towards that phenotype while selecting against individuals displaying alternate traits. Stabilizing selection favors an intermediate trait with a narrow range of variation. Deviation from the optimal phenotype towards an...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Disruptive viability selection on a black plumage trait associated with dominance.

Journal of evolutionary biology·2015

Same author

Evidence for aggressive mimicry in an adult brood parasitic bird, and generalized defences in its host.

Proceedings. Biological sciences·2015

Same author

Internal incubation and early hatching in brood parasitic birds.

Proceedings. Biological sciences·2010

Same author

Genetic similarity, breeding distribution range and sexual selection.

Journal of evolutionary biology·2007

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Probing the Limits of Egg Recognition Using Egg Rejection Experiments Along Phenotypic Gradients

Probing the Limits of Egg Recognition Using Egg Rejection Experiments Along Phenotypic Gradients

Published on: August 22, 2018

The evolution of host-specific variation in cuckoo eggshell strength.

C N Spottiswoode¹

¹Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK. cns26@cam.ac.uk

Journal of Evolutionary Biology

|June 22, 2010

Summary

Brood parasitic cuckoos evolve stronger eggshells to deter host rejection. This study reveals host-specific eggshell thickness in common cuckoos and diederik cuckoos, supporting coevolutionary adaptation.

More Related Videos

Mechanical Separation and Protein Solubilization of the Outer and Inner Perivitelline Sublayers from Hen's Eggs

Mechanical Separation and Protein Solubilization of the Outer and Inner Perivitelline Sublayers from Hen's Eggs

Published on: January 27, 2021

Mass-Rearing and Molecular Studies in Tortricidae Pest Insects

Mass-Rearing and Molecular Studies in Tortricidae Pest Insects

Published on: March 25, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Probing the Limits of Egg Recognition Using Egg Rejection Experiments Along Phenotypic Gradients

Probing the Limits of Egg Recognition Using Egg Rejection Experiments Along Phenotypic Gradients

Published on: August 22, 2018

Mechanical Separation and Protein Solubilization of the Outer and Inner Perivitelline Sublayers from Hen's Eggs

Mechanical Separation and Protein Solubilization of the Outer and Inner Perivitelline Sublayers from Hen's Eggs

Published on: January 27, 2021

Mass-Rearing and Molecular Studies in Tortricidae Pest Insects

Mass-Rearing and Molecular Studies in Tortricidae Pest Insects

Published on: March 25, 2022

Area of Science:

Evolutionary Biology
Animal Behavior
Ornithology

Background:

Cuckoo eggs exhibit mimicry in color and pattern, leading to host-specific races (gentes).
Brood parasitism involves complex coevolutionary dynamics between parasites and hosts.
Egg properties beyond appearance may also be subject to host-driven selection.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if eggshell strength, in addition to color and pattern, is subject to divergent selection in cuckoo species.
To test the hypothesis that thicker eggshells reduce host rejection rates.
To explore the role of eggshell strength in the coevolutionary arms race between cuckoos and their hosts.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of eggshell thickness across different host races of the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus).
Examination of eggshell thickness variation in the diederik cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius) across host species and cuckoo gentes.
Correlation of eggshell thickness with host rejection levels and inter-species interactions.

Main Results:

Common cuckoo races facing higher host rejection exhibit thicker eggshells.
Eggshell thickness in diederik cuckoos shows correlations across different gentes and host species.
This study provides the first evidence of host-specific eggshell property divergence in cuckoos.

Conclusions:

Cuckoo eggshell strength appears to be an adaptive trait shaped by host selection pressures.
Thicker eggshells may function as a defense mechanism against host rejection.
Eggshell strength is a potential factor in the coevolutionary interactions between brood parasites and hosts.