COOPERATIVE BREEDING Meaning and
Definition
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Cooperative breeding, also known as "alloparenting," is a social behavior observed in certain animal species, particularly birds and mammals. It refers to a cooperative effort among individuals within a group to assist in the rearing and care of offspring that are not their own. This behavior involves one or more adult individuals, called "helpers," providing care and resources to the offspring of another individual or pair, known as the "breeders."
The main objective of cooperative breeding is to increase the survival and reproductive success of the breeders' offspring. It involves various forms of assistance, such as feeding, protecting, and teaching the young. The helpers contribute towards the welfare of the offspring by sharing parental duties, reducing the workload of the breeders, and providing a safer environment for the young.
Cooperative breeding can occur for several reasons. In some instances, it is a result of kin selection, where individuals aid in the care of their close relatives to ensure that their shared genes are passed on successfully. Other times, it may be a consequence of ecological constraints, such as limited resources or high predation risk, which make it beneficial for multiple individuals to collaborate and increase the chances of survival for the offspring.
This behavior is found in various species, including certain bird families (e.g., honeyguides, certain parrots) and mammal species (e.g., meerkats, wolves). It represents a remarkable example of social cooperation and highlights the complex dynamics of parenting and reproduction beyond the traditional parental roles.
Etymology of COOPERATIVE BREEDING
The word "cooperative breeding" is composed of two components: "cooperative" and "breeding".
The term "cooperative" is derived from the Latin word "cooperatus", which means "to work with". It entered the English language in the mid-17th century and refers to the act of working together or collaborating with others for a common goal.
The word "breeding" is derived from the Old English word "bredan", which means "to produce (offspring) by procreation". It has roots in both Germanic and Old Norse languages. The term "breed" came into usage in Middle English, referring to the act of reproducing or propagating a particular species or group of organisms.
