New insights: African starlings form lasting friendships
Are humans the only species capable of forming deep relationships? According to the latest research published in "Nature," this is a universal phenomenon in the animal world. Research on African starlings has shown that these birds can establish long-term relationships based on mutual assistance.
SciTech Daily reports that scientists have discovered that African starlings engage in relationships grounded on mutual help. Previously, it was believed that animal cooperation was linked to kinship. However, research conducted over more than 20 years by a team led by Alexis Earl, a former doctoral student in Professor Dustin Rubenstein's lab, reveals that animals can form supportive relationships beyond just family ties.
Animals expect reciprocity
The research team, led by Alexis Earl, observed starlings over two decades. The results show that these birds practice "reciprocity"—helping one another with the expectation that the favor will be returned in the future. This discovery shifts our understanding of social interactions in the animal kingdom.
Professor Dustin Rubenstein, under whose guidance the research was conducted, emphasizes that starling societies are complex, containing both related and unrelated individuals. "Many of these birds are essentially forming friendships over time," says Rubenstein.
The research lasted 20 years
The research involved analyzing thousands of interactions among hundreds of birds, as well as conducting genetic studies. The experiment helped to understand how often birds help unrelated individuals even when relatives are available. Rubenstein and his team now plan to investigate how these relationships form, how long they last, and why some endure while others dissolve.
This study is part of a broader project that examines various species around the world, including shrimp, wasps, beetles, mice, and lizards. The findings could significantly impact our understanding of social behaviors in animals.
