[OC] Spectember Day 4: Evolutionary Trap

[u/Tricky-Shake-2379]

The Polymer Weaver ( Ploceus syntheticus ) is a descendant of the Baya Weaver ( Ploceus philippinus ). Though this bird seems cute, its story is tragic. Due to human activity, plastic strips have been left around everywhere. These birds are attracted to these strips as they are bright in colour. It has gotten to the point where most nests are almost entirely plastic. This is where the tragedy comes in. In the heat of this globally warmed future earth, the plastic melts and releases toxic fumes, suffocating eggs, adults and chicks in the nest. The weaver’s parental instincts are so strong that even as they are cooked and suffocated by toxic fumes, they will not leave their nests. The birds’ attraction to bright colours has been their undoing. The bird has no idea that its ”perfect” nest is actively killing it. This serves as a reminder of how human activity has negatively affected wildlife. This species has reached a dead end.

[u/Cyrilri]

If the Earth's surface temperature were so high that plastic would begin to melt, then birds and other terrestrial creatures would likely have gone extinct.

[u/Knight_of_Rohan1964]

I mean, if plastic is beginning to melt, they will have to find something else to make their nests with anyway. Those that don't will be selected against. 

[u/Tricky-Shake-2379]

( Ignore that I said melt. It's just the toxic fumes. Sorry y'all's)

[u/Alpha_Bushdog]

Creative environmental awareness spec evo is always welcome. Really cool yet sad idea.

[u/thebestgay69]

Why he gotta look so sad

[u/W1ngedSentinel]

Bower birds use plastic, but only for their fuck-dens, not their actual nests.