Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

Which term best describes an animal that is altricial?

1. Fully developed at birth

2. Relies on parental care

3. Independently foraging at birth

4. Requires a long gestation period

The correct answer is: Relies on parental care

An animal described as altricial is one that is born in a relatively undeveloped state, meaning it relies heavily on parental care for survival in the early stages of life. This characteristic is common among certain species, such as many birds and mammals, which are born blind, hairless, and unable to move significantly. In the context of wildlife rehabilitation, understanding this term is crucial because it highlights the need for providing appropriate care and support for these young animals until they can survive independently. Other terms do not accurately depict the nature of altricial animals. For instance, saying an animal is fully developed at birth would refer to precocial species, which are more self-sufficient right after birth. The option suggesting independence in foraging at birth also applies to precocial animals, who can seek food with little or no parental help. Lastly, while some altricial species might have longer gestation periods, the term itself does not inherently relate to gestation duration. Therefore, the core characteristic of altricial animals is their dependency on parental care during their vulnerable early life stages.