Self-cleaning bird eggs

The eggs of a bird called guillemot have a special structure that allows them to clean themselves without the need for parental intervention.

The eggs of a bird called guillemot have a special structure that allows them to clean themselves without the need for parental intervention.

The study began after British scientists discovered the water resistance trait of guillemot bird eggs, a surviving anca bird.

The analysis results later revealed that the eggshell of this bird is equipped with a special structure, has a tiny cone on the surface, protects the eggs from getting wet, according to BBC Nature quoted University of Steven Dr Dr. Royal Veterinary Medicine in London (UK).

Picture 1 of Self-cleaning bird eggs

Guillemot birds have a habit of dropping eggs on cliffs - (Photo: BBC)

'I accidentally spilled distilled water on a basket of eggs. And I noticed that guillemot eggs react differently in the direction of water droplets forming on the surface. They form small droplets, not overflowing to the eggs, 'the expert said.

The visualization of water droplets into perfect spheres is a sign that these are water-resistant surfaces. And the most famous example in nature is lotus leaf.

'This mechanism has been reproduced in the design industry, since it is self-cleaning,' said Dr Portugal.

'Water spheres fall when touching the surface, and entrain all the accumulated dirt , ' he explained.

According to experts, the reason that guillemot bird eggs are equipped with such a special surface is to cope with the harsh environment of cliff cliffs.

Parents don't care about having to nest, but just throw away eggs on the cliff, so eggs that need to survive in the environment can be hit by seawater, or jagged cobblestone around.

The self-cleaning mechanism allows internal embryos to breathe, by circulating oxygen and CO2 through eggshells. Conical structures also make the egg stronger.

Update 16 December 2018
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