Merops

Some socially monogamous species follow a system of cooperative breeding, in which helpers within a group help assist in taking care of offspring of other parents. This increases the chance of survival of the offspring, and provides them with care such as grooming, training, and guarding. Because of the way that offspring are raised within cooperative breeding species, the fitness of offspring is greater than offspring who are not given aid by helpers. I will be discussing research done on this phenomena and its effects on fitness in the red wolf (Canis rufus) (Sparkman et al., 2010), the white-fronted bee-eater (Merops bullockoides) (Emlen & Wrege, 1991), and the acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) (Koenig et al., 2007). Sparkman…