male verses female
Posted by sharon mayhew on August 13, 2008
Q: I recently toured the institute with the Highlights Foundation . It was delightful. I am writing a story about cardinals. Why is the male such a brilliant red and the female such a dull color? I know it has something to do with mating, but are there other reasons?
State: Missouri
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: Your question is a good one Sharon and one that has perplexed many. I found an article that I think helps to explain this phenomenon pretty well. It may be more information than you want/need but it should be on target for what we currently understand. Check out a 2005 article in Scientific American: www.sciam.com
Thanks for writing.
John Wiessinger ( August 13, 2008)
Filed under: Birds