Potential food shortages, human health challenges and environmental concerns, all
thematically linked to growing and aging global populations, drive the search for alternative …

Cleidoic eggs possess very efficient and orchestrated systems to protect the embryo from
external microbes until hatch. The cuticle is a proteinaceous layer on the shell surface in …

The optimal acceptance threshold hypothesis provides a general predictive framework for
testing behavioural responses to discrimination challenges. Decision-makers should …

The coevolutionary interactions between avian brood parasites and their hosts provide a
powerful system for investigating the diversity of animal coloration. Specifically, reciprocal …

In this study, we compared the antibacterial effectivity of the eggs of six precocial and four
altricial bird species using Escherichia coli, based on their eggshell traits. The ultrastructure …

The vibrant colors of many birds' eggs, particularly those that are blue to blue-green, are
extraordinary in that they are striking traits present in hundreds of species that have …

Avian eggs are at risk of microbial infection prior to and during incubation. A large number of
defence mechanisms have evolved in response to the severe costs imposed by these …

Birds' eggshells are renowned for their striking colours and varied patterns. Although often
considered exceptionally diverse, we report that avian eggshell coloration, sampled here …

The cuticle is a unique invisible oviduct secretion that protects avian eggs from bacterial
penetration through gas exchange pores. Despite its importance, experimental evidence is …

Background Avian eggs have a proteinaceous cuticle. The quantity of cuticle varies and the
deposition of a good cuticle in the uterus (Shell-gland) prevents transmission of bacteria to …