TROILISM AVES

GROUP ARTIST STATEMENT:

In thinking about this project, we wanted to inform an audience about how birds use different reproductive strategies. This format and project was chosen because it would make learning about birds more accessible and entertaining. We primarily wanted to highlight the extra-pair copulation strategy, wherein multiple birds are involved in reproduction. Our four-panel infographic was meant to combine humor with scientific information; it shows the process of the extra-pair copulation strategy. 

Carson was involved in storyboarding and laying out the comic, and Jeremy wrote the script. Dante wrote the title, Troilism Aves, in a block style lettering. Melton and Gyovani added colors to the poster. Kai took notes on the interview with the Little Bird Lab scientist, detailing the steps that birds go through in the lab for observations. The notes informed about how the bird might not know what eggs are his, if he reduces care to the whole nest if that is beneficial or not, and if he doesn’t take care of the birds how that will impact the future. Julian and Jeremy worked through placement of text and figured out the writing. We used Posca markers and colored pencils for color, and a black pen to add details.

Through presenting this comic, we hope to inform an audience about bird biology, without focusing too much on scientific research. Valerie’s work focuses on how birds adapt to different changes; extra-pair copulations, which increase genetic diversity and survival rates, are another way birds can adapt to different circumstances.