6d • General discussion
Not Just a Pretty Beak
When nature designs in style, it often designs with purpose.
I came across this video that belongs to 2can.tv, and wanted to share this amazing restoration that he accomplished for a beautiful toucan named Newt - the link is below to check out the video. Before (or after) you check out the video, read these interesting findings about the toucan's beak.
Looking at a toucan's beak, you can't help but think nature had favourites. It is functional, and pretty. The beak is an extremely functional/important part of survival. The toucan's beak is fairly large, growing up to 18cm, depending on the species and sex. It's odd, how can they fly with such a large beak? Interestingly, their beak is hollow, consisting of a bony core covered by keratin allowing for easy maneuvering in order for them to collect sufficient feed (fruits, insects) from far-reaching branches, trees, etc,. Furthermore, research shows that their beak contains a network of blood vessels that act as a thermal regulator. It functions to release heat to combat the extensive heat in the tropical climates. In a more straightforward manner, the beak is used in communication, and defense against predators.
In my opinion the most fun, cool function of the beak is during mating. Yes, their colourful beak is used in mating signalling, but more notably it is used in courtship rituals. In these courtship rituals, the male toucan will offer fruit to the female toucan by the passing the desired fruit with its beak. It is then up to the female to accept this offering as a sign of love, or not. This way is less expensive than proposing with a ring, but to each their own.
It is fascinating that evolution has a way of turning the seemingly ordinary - the beak - into something so multidimensional. It is also interesting to ponder about the difference in courtship rituals between all species, as they all abide to the same underlying principles.
Does anyone know of any other animals that have crazy interesting mating rituals?
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Not Just a Pretty Beak
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