3 ms·
Precocial young don't necessarily imply a difficult time, it's simply one of several strategies for successful reproduction. Do you minimize the chances your yo
by j9461701 9y ago
Precocial young don't necessarily imply a difficult time, it's simply one of several strategies for successful reproduction. Do you minimize the chances your young are preyed on in the nest by A) Building a very well hidden nest and guarding it well or B) Ensuring the nest is only needed for a few days?
Additionally, altricial species tend to be much more intelligent so that's another factor to weigh in on which evolutionary strategy is optimal for a given species.
- ComputerGuru 9y ago> Additionally, altricial species tend to be much more intelligent so that's another factor to weigh in on which evolutionary strategy is optimal for a given species. That's up for debate, as koalas and kangaroos challenge that notion. Then again, those are both marsupials from Australia; it's possible they are exceptions for some reason due to other, environmental factors.
- j9461701 9y agoEcological observations tend to be general trends rather than absolute laws, as evolution is a messy and gradual process. Cetaceans are another example of a group that violates the trend, being both extremely intelligent and their enviroment necessitating extremely precocial young to avoid their offspring drowning.