Species Birth Size Related to Paternal Involvement
- 10 years ago
According to scientists you can tell how responsible the fathers in many species are by the number of babies the mothers have at once and how big they are.
According to new research, scientists can tell how responsible the fathers in many species are by the number of babies the mothers have at once and how big they are.
Females, they found, are somehow able to calculate the types of involvement the males will have and plan accordingly.
If the father has been assessed as being a good provider, but not much of a protector, having tons of small babies is the best route.
Take fish, for example. The mother figures the father will be able to help with feeding, but not be a match against bigger fish and other predators.
Therefore, lots of tiny babies are the way to go, as the loss of one will have less of an impact on the species.
In cases where the dad has been sized up as being an all around deadbeat, the mom will have fewer but larger babies.
It’s more strain on her, but the young she produces will have a better chance of surviving on their own, and she will have fewer mouths to feed.
The study was conducted by observing insects, fish, birds, and amphibians.
Humans were not included, so you’ll have to draw your own conclusions there.
According to new research, scientists can tell how responsible the fathers in many species are by the number of babies the mothers have at once and how big they are.
Females, they found, are somehow able to calculate the types of involvement the males will have and plan accordingly.
If the father has been assessed as being a good provider, but not much of a protector, having tons of small babies is the best route.
Take fish, for example. The mother figures the father will be able to help with feeding, but not be a match against bigger fish and other predators.
Therefore, lots of tiny babies are the way to go, as the loss of one will have less of an impact on the species.
In cases where the dad has been sized up as being an all around deadbeat, the mom will have fewer but larger babies.
It’s more strain on her, but the young she produces will have a better chance of surviving on their own, and she will have fewer mouths to feed.
The study was conducted by observing insects, fish, birds, and amphibians.
Humans were not included, so you’ll have to draw your own conclusions there.