On the function of maternal yolk androgens in birds: from early adjustments to post-hatching conditions to long-term effects.

The effects of maternal hormones in birds are thought to represent examples of so-called maternal effects and are thought to have evolved to translate the environmental conditions experienced by the mother into adaptive phenotypic variation of the offspring. Their adaptive significance is therefore likely to depend on the post-hatching conditions, but long-lasting changes in offspring phenotype need to be considered too.

Keywords:BIRD SONG, MATERNAL EFFECT, ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS, REPRODUCTION

Disciplines:Animal biology, Veterinary medicine