(1)Baby mammals are born nearly helpless. (2)They cannot survive if they are not cared for, usually by older members of their species. (3)Food and…
- (1)Baby mammals are born nearly helpless. (2)They cannot survive if they are not cared for, usually by older members of their species. (3)Food and shelter are the most obvious needs of a baby animal. (4)But scientists have also observed another, less obvious need of baby mammals. (5)Monkeys who are raised alone, with no physical contact with other animals, develop strange habits such as constantly rocking or moving in circles. (6)In addition, they cannot relate normally to other monkeys. (7)The males can rarely breed with females. (8)The females who do bear young ignore or abuse their babies. (9)When monkeys who were raised alone are put in contact with friendly, “motherly” monkeys who touch and cuddle them, they eventually develop normal monkey behaviors.
