Altricial Species vs Precocial Species:

What is an Altricial species of animal?

Both puppies, bunnies, kittens, and human babies all fit in this category. This is where they are born before they are fully developed and they need more care from their parents. Puppies and bunnies are born with their eyes and ears closed. They rely completely on their mother's care for survival. Neither are able to regulate their temperatures. Altricial species do not develop fear until later because they are completely helpless and would not be able to defend themselves if they tried.

Puppies and bunnies both, make et-epimeltic sounds. These are sounds which induce another to care for them. Their mothers will nuzzle and touch them. Mothers do not make many sounds back to their babies at the early stages because their babies cannot hear them. Mothers instinctively know that their babies need an external heat source or they will die. They are also seeking colostrum from their mothers. Colostrum is the first milk that mothers produce, which gives them immunity to diseases and provides them vital nutrients that will set them up for success in life.

What is a Precocial Species of Animal?

Precocial animals are able to stand and move around within hours from birth. Horses, ducks, and chickens would fit into this category. They are quickly imprinted with their parents and they develop fearfulness of all other animals (except for their parents) immediately. They have a distrust and fear for all other species.

It is so much fun to study God's amazing creatures and be part of blessing them and giving them a great start in life so they will make loving, well-adjusted, and lifelong companions!