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In Nature, Being a “Good Father” Involves Strategies to Ensure the Survival of Offspring — But This Does Not Always Mean Caring for Them
What defines a good father? This question seems simple, but the answer is much more complex. And it varies considerably depending on the point of view. In biology, for example, the idea of a “good father” goes far beyond the social and cultural standards we know.
The biological definition is based on a single logic: to ensure that offspring survive to reproductive age.
In other words, any behavior that increases the chances of reproduction for descendants is considered advantageous for the species.
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The issue is that, strangely enough, parental care for offspring is an exception in the animal world. Even when it would be beneficial, many males simply do not interact with their offspring. And the reasons for this are varied.
Offspring Too Different From Parents
One reason for the lack of care relates to the appearance of the offspring. In many species, the offspring are born so different from the parents that there is no way to recognize any resemblance.
In animals with larval stages, such as mosquitoes, the difference is so great that, in the past, the stages of the same species were classified as distinct species.
Moreover, parents and offspring often live in completely different environments. Mosquito larvae live in water, while adults fly in the air. This makes any type of care impossible, as there is no coexistence between them.
Parents That Die After Reproducing
Another important biological factor is the survival of parents after reproduction. Species like salmon, for example, die shortly after spawning. Even if they wanted to, they could not care for their offspring.
It is also necessary to consider the number of offspring. In species that produce thousands of descendants per reproductive cycle, as is the case with many fish and marine animals, individual care becomes unfeasible.
You cannot protect or feed thousands of offspring, especially when they are mixed with those of other parents.
The Environment Makes a Difference
Another essential point for care to occur is the existence of a safe environment, such as a nest. Without this, parents would not be able to protect offspring while they search for food.
Mammals, birds, and social insects like bees tend to have this type of “home” for their offspring. In these species, care is more common.
The natural environment also plays a role. A curious example is the female of the arachnid Mastigoproctus giganteus.
She carries her offspring in a chamber in her abdomen, ensuring the necessary moisture in arid locations.
Among sharks, there are so-called nursery grounds, areas where mothers swim around their offspring to protect them until they are stronger.
Dependent Offspring Need Care
But perhaps the most determining factor is the degree of dependence of the offspring. Mammals need maternal milk. Birds need to be fed in the nest. If the offspring cannot survive on their own, the presence of parents is essential.
As a result, parental care has developed in species that do not die upon reproduction, that do not have a larval stage, that have few offspring at a time, that do not see their offspring as food, and, most importantly, that produce highly dependent descendants.
This is the case for modern birds, mammals, and some social insects. These are small groups, but with a strong tendency toward parental care.
Parents Who Do Their Part
Even among animals that care for their offspring, forms of care vary widely. Among vertebrates, for example, there is a certain “specialization.”
In bony fish that care for their offspring, the care usually falls to the males. The most famous example is that of the seahorse. In this species, it is the father that carries the eggs in a pouch until the offspring are ready to swim.
Another interesting case is that of male cichlids, freshwater fish. They produce a type of nutritious mucus on their skin to feed the offspring, in partnership with the females.
But it is the birds that stand out the most. Care is provided by both parents in most cases. Since the eggs need constant warmth, the parents take turns incubating.
This has favored the emergence of monogamy in many species. In 95% of birds, the couple stays together during the reproductive period.
In Mammals, Care Is by the Mother
Among mammals, care typically falls to the mother. As development occurs within the uterus and continues during the nursing phase, the maternal bond is inevitable. This ensures protection and nutrition during the first months of life.
In primates, and especially among humans, care goes beyond the physical. Parents also transmit culture and knowledge, which further increases the chances of success for the offspring.
But this benefit of viviparity and intensive learning is almost entirely borne by the mothers. They are the ones who give birth, feed, and teach their offspring.
That is why, among humans, a “good father” is one who recognizes this burden and seeks to balance it with love, time, and active presence in raising the children.
Fortunately, more and more men are proudly and responsibly taking on this role.
With information from BBC.
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