In Chinese feng shui principles it is believed the mandarin ducks only ever have one mate, year in and year out and if they lose each other die of loneliness.
Can anyone tell me if this is true of the species?
2007-04-12 19:36:22 · 5 answers · asked by Ally 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Yes, it is true that Mandarin ducks only have one mate/partner for life.
It's quite common in nature, and the proper term is that they have 'monogamous' breeding/partners. So, they have one ('mono') mate, with which they procreate in breeding periods. (This is the opposite of polygamy (having multiple mates).)
The advantage to this form of breeding/culture, is that a sexual mate is usually (- some mates might die) available during every mating period, therefore offsrping should be produced consistently.
Whilst on the other hand, it can be a disadvantage to the species, as polygamous (multiple partner) species create larger gene pools by creating numerous more DNA combinations in offspring, whereas the gene pool isn't as spread in Monogamous pairing species.
Also, some other creatures which are monogamous, like Mandarin ducks, include many other birds, such as Penguins and also other creatures like some members of the Hominid family. (Such as some apes and also some human relationships; e.g. strong Catholic belief based relationships)
I'm sure there are many more that I'm not aware of.
As for the loneliness part, the ducks wouldn't die due to 'loneliness'. They might pass away as they would no longer have protection, or can't provide enough food by them self, etc.
2007-04-12 19:52:36 · answer #1 · answered by HJ_Galant_ Boy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Raising Mandarin Ducks
2016-10-31 21:38:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A recent DNA study of swans, who are also believed to mate for life, shows that many are not the father of the offspring of their life partners. In other words, they are unfaithful. It would be interesting to see a study done on life pairing ducks and geese, too.
Dying of loneliness might seem a romantic gesture, but I have heard that it is a myth.
2007-04-12 19:48:06 · answer #3 · answered by Labsci 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feng Shui is more of a mystical practice, so I don't think how it can be applied to biological/zoological studies, either way, I haven't heard any claims to that fact.
2007-04-12 19:47:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this is instinct. Humans take their free will and use it any way they want to. This is why some people are not like the beaver.
2016-05-19 15:22:46 · answer #5 · answered by dorothy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋