Page 116 - Wonderful Creatures: Children! Have You Ever Thought ?

WONDERFUL CREATURES

BIRDS WHICH LAY
FOUNDATIONS FOR
THEIR YOUNG

Megapodes live in Australia and build very special nests

for their eggs. The male megapode digs a large hole

and fills it with wet, decaying plant matter. The bird
has a very important and specific reason to do so.
Bacteria in the decaying plant matter produce heat and

thus warm the nest. In order to keep the temperature

steady, the male makes ventilation openings and conti-

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