A question about animals?

Question

Would all animals benefit from extended prenatal care? I know that mammals take care of their young extensively until they mature, but would all other animals benefit from this same treatment if it was given to them? Such as vertebrates...please try and use facts to support answer. Thanks.

Answer 1

Extended parental care would render them weak and unable to cope with the harshness of the environment and it will affect their survival.

Answer 2

Generally, animals tend to provide the post natal care to the young that will ensure survival of the species with the least amount of care being optimal. Parental care of young for an extended time is more taxing on an animal meaning that it must survive not only for itself but also for it's young. Ideally the young would quickly be able to be on their own, however, for many mammal species this isn't possible due to slow growth rate, need to learn skills (such as hunting) or the need to learn social structure to fit into a group (such as elephants). Obviously, animals with other reproductive techniques could improve their survival rate by post natal care, however, it's not necessary for the survival of the species and therefore, generally not selected for in nature. For instance, fish which lay thousands of eggs could improve their survivability by guarding the eggs but in most cases, they do not, relying on the large number to ensure survival of at least a few, allowing the parents of the eggs to get back to the business of surviving another day rather than burdened by caring for and guarding the eggs.

Answer 3

Domestic animals already receive prenatal care in the form of adequate feed and vaccination against illnesses.

Wild animals would also benefit if it was possible to treat them without stressing them.