Altricial meaning

Altricial means being born helpless and requiring care and nourishment from parents.


Altricial definitions

Word backwards laicirtla
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "altricial" is an adjective.
Syllabic division al-tri-ci-al
Plural The plural of the word "altricial" is "altricial."
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) a,i
Consonants (4) l,t,r,c

Altricial refers to a particular type of animal development where offspring are born in a relatively immature state and require care and feeding from parents or caregivers to survive.

Animals that are considered altricial are born helpless, blind, and often without fur. They are entirely dependent on their parents for warmth, protection, and nourishment.

Characteristics of Altricial Animals

Some key characteristics of altricial animals include their undeveloped senses, lack of mobility, and inability to regulate body temperature. These traits make them vulnerable and in need of constant care.

Examples of altricial animals include species such as birds, rodents, and certain primates. These animals typically have large litter sizes to increase the chances of survival despite the high level of care required.

Developmental Process

The developmental process of altricial animals involves significant growth and maturation under the care of parents. As they grow, these offspring slowly acquire the abilities needed for independence, such as sight, mobility, and foraging skills.

Compared to precocial species, which are born more developed and able to fend for themselves shortly after birth, altricial animals have a longer period of dependency on their caregivers before reaching maturity.

In conclusion, the concept of altricial development highlights an important aspect of animal life cycles, emphasizing the need for parental care and support in ensuring the survival and well-being of offspring. Understanding this phenomenon provides valuable insights into the diverse ways in which different species adapt to reproduce and thrive in their environments.


Altricial Examples

  1. The altricial bird was unable to fly and relied on its parents for food.
  2. The altricial kittens required constant care and attention from their mother.
  3. The altricial squirrel had to learn how to forage for nuts and seeds from its parents.
  4. The altricial baby rabbit was blind and hairless at birth.
  5. The altricial tadpoles needed to develop limbs before they could leave the water.
  6. The altricial puppies were born deaf and blind and had to be nursed by their mother.
  7. The altricial baby possums clung to their mother's fur for warmth and protection.
  8. The altricial chicks hatched from their eggs naked and helpless.
  9. The altricial baby mice were born with closed eyes and ears.
  10. The altricial infant monkeys needed to be carried by their mother for the first few months of life.


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  • Updated 28/04/2024 - 02:02:10