Why do birds happily peck at lemons and other highly acidic fruits? Researchers from the Chinese mainland think they have the answer.
Published in the journal Science on Friday, the team decoded a molecular mechanism that lets songbirds tolerate sour tastes. They pinpointed a mutation in the OTOP1 gene, which in most animals detects acidity. This genetic tweak allows birds to dine on fruits that would normally trigger a puckering response.
The finding not only solves a long standing mystery in avian biology but also opens doors for future research on how taste perception evolves across species. Understanding these flavor codes could yield insights for food science, conservation, and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
