In many animals, the young ones can walk or find food soon after birth. Class 9

In many animals, the young ones can walk or find food soon after birth. Class 9

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Question 1.

In many animals, the young ones can walk or find food soon after birth but human babies are completely dependent for a long time. What might be some advantages and disadvantages of this for humans as a species? Class 9

Answer:

Advantages of prolonged dependency of human babies:

1. Extended brain development: The human brain continues to develop rapidly after birth. This long period of dependency allows the brain to develop fully, enabling complex thinking, language, problem-solving and social behaviour.
2. Cultural and social learning: The long dependency period allows children to learn complex skills, language, values and knowledge from parents and society.
3. Strong family and social bonds: The need to care for dependent young ones strengthens family and social structures, promoting cooperation and community living.

Disadvantages of prolonged dependency:

1. High parental investment: Parents must invest a great deal of time, energy and resources in raising each child.
2. Vulnerability: A dependent child is highly vulnerable to danger if parental care is absent or inadequate.
3. Reduced number of offspring: Since each child requires such intensive care, humans cannot produce and raise as many children as animals whose young are independent soon after birth.