Articles for tag: avian evolution, bird taste receptors, fruit-eating birds, OTOP1, sour food tolerance

Pied kingfisher on a tree

Birds That Love Lemons: The Evolutionary Secret Behind Their Sour Tooth

April Joy Jovita

A new study has uncovered how birds evolved to tolerate—and even enjoy—extremely sour foods that most mammals avoid. Published in Science and summarized by the Max Planck Society, the research reveals that birds have developed a unique molecular adaptation in their sour taste receptors, allowing them to consume highly acidic fruits without discomfort. This evolutionary ...