Recognition and Parental Investment in Adélie Penguins

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Abstract
Summary Davis, L.S. & McCaffrey, F.T. (1989). Recognition and parental investment in Adélie Penguins. Emu 89, 155–158. Discrimination abilities of Adélie Penguins Pygoscelis adeliae were studied by cross-fostering eggs within two days of laying, chicks within five days of hatching, chicks 11–15 days of age and chicks 17–21 days of age. Our results show that Adélie Penguins have no innate mechanism for recognition of offspring. Discrimination by adults was apparent only after 17–21 days of post-hatching familiarity, which corresponded with the end of the guard stage. By contrast, chicks may have learnt to discriminate adults by 11–15 days of age. During the guard stage, within-brood food allocation by parents was determined by sibling competition.