precocial

Precocial describes a developmental strategy in which offspring are relatively mature and mobile from or shortly after birth or hatching. Precocial young typically have their eyes open, are adequately furred or feathered, and can move about and often feed themselves soon after birth. This is contrasted with altricial young, which are born helpless, with closed eyes, little or no fur or feathers, and a strong dependence on parental care for warmth and feeding.

In birds, precocial hatchlings include many waterfowl and game birds such as ducks, geese, and chickens. They hatch with down, can stand and walk within hours, and may feed themselves soon after birth. This habit reduces the need for continuous parental brooding, though incubation periods are often longer and require substantial yolk reserves to support early independence.

Among mammals, precocial young are common in many ungulates, including deer, antelope, and cattle, whose calves can stand and nurse within hours of birth. Horses produce foals that can stand and move quickly after birth as well. Precocial mammals favor rapid mobility to evade predators, especially in open or high-risk environments.

Some reptiles and amphibians also exhibit precocial development. Species such as sea turtles hatch en masse and immediately embark on independent journeys to the sea, while certain lizards produce young capable of rapid self-sufficiency after emergence.

Ecological and evolutionary considerations shape this strategy. Precocial development generally requires greater energy investment prior to birth or hatching and typically involves less reliance on prolonged parental care, whereas altricial strategies emphasize postnatal growth and parental provisioning. Individual species may display a spectrum between these extremes.