Exposure to Dietary Methyl-Mercury Solely during Embryonic and Juvenile Development Halves Subsequent Reproductive Success in Adult Zebra Finches.

Long-term exposure to methyl-mercury has deleterious effects on avian reproduction. However, little is known about whether exposure to mercury solely during embryonic and juvenile development can have long-lasting effects on subsequent reproductive performance as adults. Birds that hatch on contaminated sites but disperse elsewhere will be exposed only during development.