Why Some Animals Consume Their Offspring: A Survival Strategy
January 9, 2026238 VuesTemps de lecture: 2 minutes
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While the act of consuming one's offspring may seem brutal and contrary to maternal instincts, it is a scientifically documented behavior found in hundreds of species across the animal kingdom, from fish and insects to mammals and even some pets.
Animal behavior scientists assert that this phenomenon is not random or indicative of instinctual dysfunction but rather part of complex evolutionary strategies aimed at enhancing survival chances for both the strongest offspring and the parents themselves.
Behavioral biologist Anish Boss from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences describes the cannibalism of young as "a fundamental mechanism" among many species, noting that over 1,500 species have been recorded exhibiting this behavior. Interestingly, some of these animals combine nurturing their young with cannibalism under specific conditions.
Researchers explain that reproduction represents a biological investment that varies among species. Slow-reproducing animals, such as elephants and whales, rarely consume their young due to the significant effort and resources invested in raising a single offspring. Conversely, fast-reproducing species that give birth to numerous young often "sacrifice" some, particularly during food shortages or intense competition, to ensure the survival of the fittest.
Studies indicate that certain insects and fish may consume part of their brood to mitigate overpopulation and enhance growth prospects, while some mammals resort to cannibalism of weak or stillborn young to recover energy. In other cases, this behavior is linked to intense stress or uncertainty regarding genetic parentage.
Despite advancements in understanding this phenomenon, many questions remain regarding its evolution and underlying causes. Scientists agree that, as harsh as it may appear, the cannibalism of young reflects a delicate balance between instinct and adaptation to challenging environmental conditions, where survival is reserved for the fittest—even within the same family.
