Specific appetite for carotenoids in a colorful bird.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 20502717.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0010716 and PMC identifier PMC1690917.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Since carotenoids have physiological functions necessary for maintaining health, individuals should be selected to actively seek and develop a specific appetite for these compounds. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Great tits Parus major in a diet choice experiment, both in captivity and the field, preferred carotenoid-enriched diets to control diets. The food items did not differ in any other aspects measured besides carotenoid content. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Specific appetite for carotenoids is here demonstrated for the first time, placing these compounds on a par with essential nutrients as sodium or calcium.