Some bird species also have similar behaviors. For instance, mother hens may peck and gently 'lick' (using their beaks in a similar way) their chicks. This is part of their maternal care, guiding the chicks, protecting them, and helping them with basic needs like getting rid of parasites.
Mother dogs also lick their puppies. The licking is not only for hygiene purposes but also to show affection. By licking, the mother dog can spread her scent on the puppies, which may be a way to mark them as part of her litter and keep them safe within the family group.
In the animal kingdom, hyenas are known for their rather strange behavior that could be related to this idea. When a young hyena is born, the mother may lick its rear end to stimulate certain functions like defecation. It's a natural part of their caregiving behavior.
In some bird species, like the cuckoo. The cuckoo mom lays her eggs in the nests of other bird species. When the cuckoo hatchling (the'son' in a sense) hatches, it may outcompete the host mom's own chicks for food. For example, the young cuckoo may be larger and more demanding, and the host mom unknowingly feeds it as if it were her own.
Yes. For example, in the case of many mammals, the mother's licking can keep the young clean. Cleanliness is important for the health of the young ones as it reduces the risk of infections.
In the case of chickens, my mom was involved in breeding. She selected the healthiest hens and the most vibrant roosters. The hens were provided with a warm and safe coop for laying eggs. After the eggs were fertilized, we waited eagerly for them to hatch. Mom made sure the temperature and humidity were just right for the eggs. When the chicks finally hatched, it was really exciting. They were so small and fluffy, and mom took great care to ensure their survival.
In the animal kingdom, for example, in some bird species, mother birds teach their sister chicks how to find food. The mother shows them where the best seeds or insects are. The sister chicks learn from the mom and also from each other. This helps them survive better as they grow up.
Another example is rabbits. Young female rabbits can start breeding as early as a few months old. They are known for their high reproductive rate. A female rabbit can have several litters in a year. The male and female rabbits mate, and the female rabbit creates a nest to give birth and raise her young. This shows how young individuals in the rabbit species are involved in breeding.
In some species like peacocks, male peacocks have large and elaborate tails which could be considered a form of 'huge' display feature related to attracting mates, like a young male showing off. Another example is male elk with their large antlers. These features play a role in competing for the attention of females.
Among wolves, there is a complex social structure related to mating. Usually, the alpha male and alpha female are the main breeding pair in a wolf pack. They ensure the survival and growth of the pack through their reproduction. Also, in many species of insects, such as butterflies, the male uses its sense of smell to find a suitable female for mating. The male may detect pheromones released by the female from a distance and then approach for mating.
One interesting story is about peacocks. The male peacock displays its magnificent tail feathers to attract the female. This is related to their mating behavior as the female chooses the male with the most impressive display. It's a way of ensuring the survival of the fittest genes in their species.
Also, the amazing migratory patterns of some animals can be top stories. The Arctic tern, for instance, has the longest migration of any known animal. It travels from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back each year, covering a distance of about 44,000 miles. This incredible journey is still being studied by scientists to understand how the birds can manage such a long - distance flight.