Biology
The Role of Glucocorticoid Hormones in Mediating Stress Responses and Life History Trade-offs in Birds
Quick fact
In many bird species, baseline corticosterone levels rise during the breeding season to help parents meet the energetic demands of raising chicks, but a strong stress response can trigger an 'emergency life history stage' in minutes, promoting survival over reproduction.
Why this is interesting
Ever wonder how a tiny bird survives a sudden blizzard or makes it through a long migration? The answer may lie in a stress hormone that doubles as a survival tool and a hidden cost.