Watch a video tape today about polar birds

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The discussion centers on a course titled "Human Beings and Nature," which includes a documentary about polar birds. The documentary highlights the fascinating ability of these birds to change feather color with the seasons, showcasing four distinct colors throughout the year. The inquiry into the mechanisms behind this color change leads to the role of hormones, particularly prolactin, which influences feather growth and seasonal transitions. Prolactin is commonly known for its role in milk production but also signals the shift from summer to winter plumage. Understanding these hormonal influences sheds light on the adaptive strategies of polar birds.
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i am taking a course "human bebings and nature" (i don't know how to translate more corectly). we watch a video tape today about polar birds. i think it is an interesting documentary film. i am amazing at how their feathers color can change differently when different seasons come, 4 seasons 4 diferernt colors. i wonder what gives them abilities to change them like that, generation to generation.
thank you
 
Biology news on Phys.org
Seasonal changes in coat (or feather) color are usually determined by hormone status, especially prolactin. Most people know about prolactin as a hormone involved in milk production, but it also has other functions. One of those is for fur growth and to provide the signal of when to switch from summer to winter coats.
 

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