Flashier Great Tits (type of bird) Produce Stronger Sperm, Bird Study Shows

Flashier Great Tits Produce Stronger Sperm, Bird Study Shows

The new research shows that in males with more carotenoid, and thus more color, the sperm is better able to withstand a free radical onslaught—and females seem to know it.

So is the sperm stronger because the great tits are flashier? Or vice versa? Or are both the brightness and the stronger sperm just reflections of the superior overall state of health of some birds?

I guess we can see how brighter colors might evolve given the possibly greater sex appeal of the brighter colors along with the superior reproductive ability.

Now they don't say if the research on flashier great tits can be used to figure out how to make stronger sperm in human males, though I suppose the implication is that vitamin supplements might help. They just mention the link to free radicals and stress, which also applies to humans. What do you think? Do you see any practical applications of this research or is it just something that's nice to know and satisfies our curiosity?

Mod Note: Edited title to stay within T&C
Another Mod Note: Further edited title to try and stay within T&C...




[edit on 2/14/2010 by semperfortis]

[edit on 15-2-2010 by Gazrok]

Originally posted by Arbitrageur

So is the sperm stronger because the great tits are flashier?

Well these ... these are the questions that keep me up at night!

Also, one must consider the boobies.

Fascinating find.

Please keep us abreast if anything else pops up.

I'm often described as a great tit....perhaps I should tone down my fashion prowess?

reply to post by Arbitrageur


Breast - thread - title - ever.
Second line

A most titillating breakthrough!!

hey.... i'm 57 years old. this thread is hard on me.

Not quite sure what the OP means, I might need a visual aid...

So if this study in birds is to be translated to a study in humans are they going to do the study on fat guys with great tits to see if there sperm is better?

Is it me, or most people here don't know what a great tit is?

Hint:
en.wikipedia.org...

I too prefer flashier great tits over average run of the mill ones.

Yeah, and boobies are fun to watch too.

The findings also give some insight into why female great tits cheat, Helfenstein added.

Because "females cannot always get the [colorful] males they want," he said, the females will often settle for a less flashy mate.

But the females will still sneak off for a rendezvous with a better-looking male—and a dose of better sperm.

Gentlemen. Isn't the simple solution for us to invest in large cans of yellow spray paint?

I'm running to Home Depot now!


[edit on 14-2-2010 by loam]

Best Thread title of the day. Flagged of course! hmmm yellow spraypaint. maybe a full body yellow tattoo?

S&F

Great titles make great threads.

Best thread & title ever.

11/10

Oh my head hurts from trying not to be so utterly perverted.

Great title, I commend you for it.

[edit on 14-2-2010 by antonia]

Really guys? We just had to go here didn't we? Oy! sometimes it just shudders me...the call of the gutter...LMFAO though!!!1^_^

reply to post by daniel_g


Trust me...it's not just you.
2nd line: (.)(,)

[edit on 14-2-2010 by ColeYounger]

[edit on 14-2-2010 by ColeYounger]

[edit on 14-2-2010 by ColeYounger]

most epic thread title ever!!!

Because "females cannot always get the [colorful] males they want," he said, the females will often settle for a less flashy mate.

But the females will still sneak off for a rendezvous with a better-looking male—and a dose of better sperm.

those naughty great tits! i just find that fascinating!

Better Breasts = Better Sperm?

Is this a victory for the transgendered community?

Is there a correlation between brighter sperm and better breasts?