hatchling
Definition
A hatchling is a newly hatched animal that has not yet fully developed. Hatchlings are often very small and vulnerable, and they rely on their parents for food, protection, and warmth.
Hatchlings come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny hummingbird hatchling to the large crocodile hatchling.
Hatchlings often have special adaptations that help them survive in their environment. For example, baby birds have down feathers that help to keep them warm, and baby turtles have a hard shell that protects them from predators.
Hatchlings are an important part of the food chain. They are preyed upon by other animals, but they also help to control populations of insects and other pests.
How can the word be used?
The hatchling turtle struggled to make its way to the water.
Different forms of the word
Noun: hatchling.
Adjective: hatchling.
Verb: hatchling.
Etymology
The word "hatchling" comes from the noun "hatch", which means "a young bird or animal that has just hatched from an egg". The suffix "-ling" is used to form nouns that refer to young creatures.
Question
What is a hatchling?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Describe the challenges that hatchlings commonly face after emerging from their eggs and explain how parental care or environmental adaptations help ensure their survival.
Answer:
Hatchlings, the young organisms that emerge from eggs, often encounter a range of challenges as they begin their journey in the outside world. One significant challenge is vulnerability to predators, as hatchlings are small, relatively defenceless, and inexperienced in evading threats. Additionally, they may struggle to find suitable sources of food and navigate their environment effectively.
To address these challenges, many species of animals exhibit parental care or possess unique environmental adaptations. In some cases, parents guard and protect hatchlings, offering them refuge from potential predators and guiding them towards food sources. Sea turtle hatchlings, for instance, benefit from the protection of their nesting sites by their parents or conservationists.
Alternatively, some hatchlings possess remarkable adaptations that aid survival. For example, precocial species like chickens hatch with well-developed feathers and can feed themselves shortly after emerging. Altricial species like birds of prey rely on their parents to provide food and protection during their initial vulnerable stages.
In conclusion, hatchlings encounter various obstacles upon hatching, including predation risk and challenges related to finding food and shelter. Parental care and environmental adaptations play crucial roles in ensuring the survival of hatchlings by enhancing their protection, guidance, and ability to cope with the demands of their new environment.