Dr. Carin Bondar - Biologist with a Twist

Animal Reproduction

Hybridization Between Species

If the scene for heterospecific copulation was that of a horror film, the scene for hybridization is more like that of science fiction. In nature when we see successful hybridization, this means that species are [...]
Animal Parenting

Toothed Whales Carry Their Dead Calves

Toothed whales called Odontocetes are mammals that form close social bonds, most often along matriarchal lines, and it is therefore not surprising that an infant’s death can be traumatic for a mother. Many observations of [...]
Animal Reproduction

Female House Mice Adjust the “Fertilizability” of Their Ova

Female house mice (Mus musculus) adjust the “fertilizability” of their ova depending on the social conditions in which they were reared. Females are thus able to physiologically alter the external properties of their eggs to [...]

Offspring Favouritism

February 3, 2021 0

While many human parents will assure their children they do not have a favourite, in the animal kingdom, moms may provide different levels of care for their offspring. Strong Offspring Get Fed Spotted hyena moms […]

Milk Sharing Between Related Females

January 27, 2021 0

Among the most supported hypotheses for milk sharing between females is the kin selection hypothesis. This states that mothers are more likely to share these expensive resources with the offspring of close relatives. One’s overall […]

Misdirected Courtship and Sex With Other Species

January 20, 2021 0

Evolution should select for individuals that employ ways of discerning members of their own species from any others. Reproductive success of those engaing in sex with organisms of another species should therefore be drastically reduced. […]