What is one proposed function of stone swallowing for chicks of Rockhopper and Macaroni penguins?
Answer
To help grind up the tough exoskeletons of the crustaceans they consume
One theory regarding stone ingestion, particularly for chicks of rockhopper and macaroni penguins, is that the stones act as grit to assist in grinding down the tough exoskeletons of the crustaceans they consume.
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