If I mention the names of a few soap operas- "Desperate Housewives", "Grey's Anatomy" or our very own Indian melodramas by Ekta Kapoor, what is the common link among all three? Infidelity, and scandals.The premise of the serial might be different in each, but human traits are personified in all of them. And being on the look out for a new mate, is definitely one of the traits on display. There are multiple theories developed by behavior analysts and scientists world over, trying to understand the impetus for this urge. What interests me more than the analyses is the fact that this trend is seen even outside of the human species. And that very much, might hold the clue to science of infidelity.
So much has been spoken about the Darwinian theories of natural selection, that it is no longer just a theory, it has become the key to much of human behavior. Recent genetic studies on birds have proven that it is very common for birds to nest with different mates over different breeding seasons. Earlier, it was thought that birds would generally mate for life and breed with the same partner over a lifetime, but more precise DNA patterns of off-springs has led researchers to conclude that each group of off-springs have some foreign DNA within them, which points to polygamous behavior of the first generation.
Further delving into the topic has brought to the forefront, the reasons that instigate birds to "cheat" on their partners. Although, birds are known to win their mate's heart by colorful display of their plumage or mellifluous voices, these aspects seem to take a back-seat, when it comes to dealing with environmental stress. Not unlike humans, only love does not help survive the race; the pressing issues of food, shelter and security direct their mating behavior. Once a bird has nested with one partner, won over by the colorful spectrum, it does not last very long if the male bird is unable to bring home food and itself starts looking scrawny. The mother bird needs to be assured that her progeny would be safe. It is this feeling that prompts the female bird to find a different mate for the next breeding season. It is very much like in the human parallel, women look for men with stable jobs and secure careers as a life partner.
The logical reasoning behind this effort to find different and better mates is, that at least one off-spring will have the strong genetic capability to cope up with extremes. It is with respect to this explanation, that infidelity among birds has risen over the last few years, when climate change has been so drastic. According to a study carried out by Carlos Botero of Columbia University, eggs laid by female birds, in areas that have sudden climatic changes, lacked the DNA of the spouse. Under this same study, the temperature variations and precipitation rates were plotted against the mating habits of birds, which led to the conclusion that erratic climate fluctuations push birds towards apparent promiscuity. Swapping mates is the attempt by female birds to pass on strong genes to the filial generation in hopes that when the climate gets worse, their chicks might survive. Look at it in terms of how a protective mother would want to ensure the child's best interest. I wonder if these are the same thoughts that push even humans to supposedly find a better partner!
Although infidelity seems like an unacceptable thing in the human race, for birds like geese, bluebirds, falcons, and sparrows, this is their way of making sure their species survives. Now who would have thought, that the actions of one species would affect the mating behavior of another species! This is just an indicator of how man's actions have been and continue disturbing the ecological equilibrium. Maybe next time, we invent a new CFC, we will remember that somewhere a poor bird was cheated on and left stranded because of our greed for comfort!
(Source-Scientific American)
