Paternal deprivation in biparental zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) affects care of offspring with consequences for adult stress-induced corticosterone levels

Key Points

• Paternal deprivation leads to significant changes in how offspring are cared for, impacting their development and well-being.
• Offspring exposed to less paternal care have elevated corticosterone levels as adults, indicating increased stress sensitivity.
• Analysis of zebra finch behaviors under various parental involvement conditions highlights crucial parenting dynamics.
• These findings support the importance of both parents in offspring upbringing, calling for further studies on stress mechanisms.