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Why do male chicks play more than females? Study finds answers in distant ancestor - EurekAlert


<p><em>Researchers observed the frequency of play by aged chicks between six and 53 days old</em>. <em>Males engaged more frequently in social and object play than females, but there was no difference in the frequency of locomotor play. The researchers concluded that these patterns can be explained by the strong sexual dimorphism of adult junglefowl, the ancestors of domestic chickens. This means that male chicks benefit more from practicing skills related to physical ability and social tactics.</em></p>

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