mafia hypothesis
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English[edit]
Proper noun[edit]
the mafia hypothesis
- (biology) A hypothesis attempting to explain why most hosts of brood parasites care for the parasite's nestlings. Since the host's nest is attacked if the parasite's egg is detected and rejected, this indirectly enhances selective pressures favouring aggressive parasite behaviour that may result in positive feedback between mafia-like parasites and compliant hosts.