Birds have a reputation as excellent parents. They expend a great deal of effort in building nests in which to lay their eggs. They patiently incubate the eggs, keeping them warm and safe until they hatch. Birds also bring food to their newly hatched offspring until the baby birds are independent. However, some unusual birds, known as brood parasites, don’t provide any parental care for their young. Perhaps the most famous brood parasite is the cuckoo. Instead of building a nest, the cuckoo lays her eggs in the nest of another species with similar-looking eggs. The female cuckoo simply removes an egg laid by the host female, lays her own egg, and then leaves, expecting the host bird to care for the imposter.
What is the main, or central, idea of the passage?
– Unlike most species of birds, brood parasites such as the cuckoo don’t provide any parental care.
– Most birds build nests for their young, incubate the eggs, and are generally devoted parents.
– Unlike most species of birds, brood parasites such as the cuckoo don’t build nests.
The main, or central, idea of the passage is: Unlike most species of birds, brood parasites such as the cuckoo don’t provide any parental care.
Explanation: The passage primarily focuses on the behavior of brood parasites, particularly the cuckoo, which contrasts with the typical parenting behaviors of most birds. It highlights how these parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other birds and rely on them for raising their young, rather than caring for them themselves. This emphasizes the unique reproductive strategy of brood parasites compared to general bird parenting habits.