William Feeney, The Conversation
Species must reproduce to survive, and animals have found unique ways of achieving this. For some, including us, it seems as though producing a few offspring that require extended care is the best strategy. For others, such as many coral reef fishes, many offspring that require little care appears better suited.
Brood parasitism is among the most bizarre breeding strategies in nature. A brood parasite, such as a cuckoo, manipulates another individual into raising its young. Hosts do all they can to stop brood parasites from successfully reproducing, because they usually harm their own young. Brood parasites fight back, and the two species can become locked in a coevolutionary arms race.
Despite these troubles, not having to build a nest, incubate eggs or care for offspring allows brood parasites to produce more eggs than they would otherwise. This can make brood parasitism viable through evolutionary time.
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