After concluding their 3 year study, two ecologists have found that American white ibises that consumed methylmercury, the most toxic and easily digested form of mercury in the environment were found to pair with other males. In wild ibis populations that had no mercury in their environment, same sex pairing is not found at all. Birds living in these wetlands are most vulnerable to the toxic mercury because they are a breeding ground for bacteria. They found that males with higher levels of mercury were less likely to be approached by females and had a higher chance of being involved in a homosexual pairing. As the level of mercury exposure increased, so did the degree and persistence of homosexual pairing. The ecologists believe that the methylmercury is affecting the hormone levels of the birds that are exposed.
I found this very interesting and it made me think about what kind of affect mercury exposure could have on humans? While it might not be as serious, cleaning up the environment to help the birds would in turn help us to achieve a cleaner environment for ourselves.
This is very interesting. It makes me wonder how this can affect the species later on down the road if homosexual pairing is taking place. This can not be healthy for the birds. Other than the mercury raising the homosexual pairing what other affects does it have on the animals? I also wonder if the mercury will spread to other birds and widen the effect that is happening on these white ibises.
ReplyDeleteThis could just be a coincidence. I mean, if you think about it, aren't there more gay humans now as well? And how do you even judge that a bird is homosexual? Although this is an interesting subject, I think it's an absurd assumption.
ReplyDeleteI suppose they judge the sexual preference of the birds by what pairings they find them in. The article states that the male birds were less likely to be approached by females, and then form homosexual pairings. This likely means that the males were partnered with other males. As to the concern for the species, if no heterosexual couples are formed, the birds will likely become endangered or extinct. We already no homosexual human couples can't reproduce, it's likely homosexual birds have the same issue.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the birds continue to pair up homosexually, if it will disrupt the populations? I'm also concerned about other species, I wonder if it effects them as well, and maybe other animal types besides the birds.
ReplyDeleteThis is all news to me. I think it cool how thay can find out if animals are homosexual. I didnt even know animals could be gay
ReplyDeletehaha, first i wonder how people can tell if a bird is gay, and i would also like to say this is the craziest thing i have ever heard.
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