Benefits of Tonic Immobility in Birds

Authors

  • Layla Airola Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64555/hcccv267

Keywords:

fainting, playing dead, paralysis, predation

Abstract

I review the phenomenon in birds of tonic immobility, a temporary state of paralysis that animals enter in response to fright or handling. Tonic immobility is widespread across many animal taxa and appears to be a survival mechanism to reduce predators' attention to their intended prey and allow escape. 

 

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Published

2020-09-15

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 3 (2020): Central Valley Birds

Section

Articles