Birds may ‘divorce’ due to promiscuity or long spells apart

[UngulateNerd92]

Monogamous birds switch partners for reasons similar to human breakups, scientists say.

Affairs or lengthy spells apart commonly spell divorce for human couples – but it seems similar factors play a role in breakups among birds.

It is thought more than 90% of bird species generally have a single mate over at least one breeding season, if not longer. However, some monogamous birds switch to a different partner for a subsequent breeding season despite their original mate remaining alive – a behaviour labelled “divorce”.

While a number of studies have looked at possible factors associated with such breakups, experts say these tend to focus on individual species or groups of species.

https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.amp...rds-may-divorce-promiscuity-long-spells-apart

 

[Great Argus]

I don't understand the need to use the term divorce here - unnecessary anthropomorphism.
Results of the study are hardly surprising either, smaller highly migratory species have a higher 'divorce' rate because more chance of ending up away from a partner and higher mortality rates. Large species that have a higher chance of living at least a couple decades and those that form strong pair bonds understandably 'divorce' less. Many smaller birds are lucky to live through three or four breeding seasons, of course they're going to see more turnover in partners.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

I don't understand the need to use the term divorce here - unnecessary anthropomorphism.
Results of the study are hardly surprising either, smaller highly migratory species have a higher 'divorce' rate because more chance of ending up away from a partner and higher mortality rates. Large species that have a higher chance of living at least a couple decades and those that form strong pair bonds understandably 'divorce' less. Many smaller birds are lucky to live through three or four breeding seasons, of course they're going to see more turnover in partners.

It is a strange use of the word and I was taken aback when I first saw the use of that word here, but nonetheless I was still intrigued when I came across it and decided to read through it. I guess the word is used to help laymen readers understand it. From an educational standpoint, sometimes (mind you not always) I think whatever works...

 

[Pantheraman]

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I don't make a big deal of "anthropomorphism" because I think this kind of might help people connect with animals, to try making wild animals seem more similar to us humans than we think.

 

[birdsandbats]

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I don't make a big deal of "anthropomorphism" because I think this kind of might help people connect with animals, to try making wild animals seem more similar to us humans than we think.

I somewhat agree but there's definitely a point of overdoing it, and this one really feels unnecessary.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

I somewhat agree but there's definitely a point of overdoing it, and this one really feels unnecessary.

I see what you mean. It is one of those things that has its place but has its limits.