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We -- and every other organism on earth -- are only young once. But
childhood may be the most important part of our lives, the time when
we learn the skills that will help us survive for the rest of our years.
A face that, perhaps, only a mother could love. |
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NATURE's BABY TALES takes a serious but playful look at childhood in the animal kingdom. There are plenty of cute baby pictures, from the heart-melting face of a trembling calf to the toothy grin of a newborn alligator -- a face only a mother could love.
While some -- such as chimpanzees and elephants -- may spend years with mom or dad, others -- such as sea turtles and many insects -- never know their parents, and must fend for themselves from the moment of birth.
Exactly how these newborns learn to survive isn't completely understood. Some important behaviors, such as knowing how to head for the sea and not to climb higher on the beach, are somehow encoded in the animal's genes. But youngsters also learn how to hunt and defend themselves by watching their parents and siblings. And scientists believe that some animals -- from cats to crows -- learn important survival skills by just playing.
Yes, that lion cub swatting at its sister, that puppy chewing on a stick, and that group of kids playing tag may be gaining important life experience. The lion, for instance, may be learning how to hunt, while the puppy strengthens its teeth. And the kids are learning important lessons in rule-making and cooperation.
But researchers have long differed on the role of play in a young animal's life. Many biologists, for instance, once believed that play is not a distinct form of behavior, and dismissed it as a purposeless collection of activities that had no benefit to the animal. Increasingly, however, researchers believe that many animals not only engage in play to learn skills, but because it brings them pleasure and is key to social development.
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Breeding Habits
An interactive guide to animal reproduction. |
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Child's Play
Play can be more than just fun and games |
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Animal Adoptions
Inter-species parenting |
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Home Alone
Some animals are left to fend for themselves |
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Resources
Web links and books about baby animals |
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