Parentalpflege

Parentalpflege, or parental care, refers to the behavioral and physiological investments by parents that enhance the survival, growth, and development of their offspring. It includes provisioning, protection, carrying, grooming, teaching, and social stimulation. The specific repertoire varies by species and context.

In the animal kingdom, parental care is widespread but diverse. In birds, care often centers on incubation, brooding, feeding, and defense of young. In mammals, care typically involves nursing, warmth, grooming, and protection; paternal care occurs in some species, and biparental care is common in others. In many insects and fishes, care takes different forms such as guarding eggs or nest provisioning. Alloparental care, provided by individuals other than the genetic parents, also occurs in several species and can support offspring survival.

In humans, parental care combines biological, emotional, and social elements and is shaped by cultural norms. Caregiving typically begins at or before birth and can extend for many years, influencing health, cognition, and social development. The division of labor, parental leave, and caregiving networks affect both offspring outcomes and parent well-being.

Evolution and ecology: Parental care represents a trade-off between current reproduction and offspring survival. Its expression is influenced by predation risk, resource availability, and climate. The balance between parental certainty and risk of infanticide can drive sex differences in care across species.

Research and terminology: Parental care is studied in ethology, psychology, and anthropology. Common measures include care duration, feeding rate, warmth, grooming, and teaching behaviors, as well as outcomes in offspring viability and development.