Definition

This term describes young animals, especially birds, that are born in a very undeveloped state and need a lot of care and feeding from their parents after they are born.

Example

Altricial birds, such as robins, are born in a very immature state and depend on their parents for survival.

Conversation

Did you know that some birds are altricial when they hatch?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they're born helpless and need a lot of care from their parents.

That makes sense; I guess they have to rely on their parents for survival.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Altricial is formed from "alter" (from Latin, meaning other) and "-icial" (a suffix used in forming adjectives). The term describes species that are born in a relatively undeveloped state and require care from their parents, highlighting the 'other' or dependent nature of their early life stage.

Memory Tip

Think of 'other' ('alter') to remember that 'altricial' refers to young animals that are dependent on their parents for care.

Visually Confused Words