304 PROTECTION OF YOUNG 



phase in the organism's growth, it divides into two parts. In the 

 act of reproduction, it ends its own existence. Among the higher 

 organisms, especially birds and mammals, reproduction of new 

 individuals is generally repeated for a long or short period of 

 years. A considerable portion of the individual's activities has 

 to do with preparing for and caring for the young. In man- 

 kind, parenthood often makes a greater demand upon the individ- 

 ual than just making a living. On the other hand, the increased 

 activities of adults for the young make possible for each genera- 

 tion a better preparation and a richer equipment for life. So 

 much that concerns and so much that is of value to humans lie 

 beyond the problems of making a living in the material sense* 



Questions and Suggestions 



1. What are the advantages to a species in producing eggs or 

 seeds ? What disadvantages ? 



2. Explain the necessity for such a tremendously large egg produc- 

 tion among fish as compared with the small production among birds. 



3. How can an organism make provision for offspring that it can 

 never see or know ? 



4. What are some of the advantages of prolonged infancy ? What 

 are some disadvantages ? 



5. How may animals that look after their young benefit from such 

 activities ? 



6. How can plants be said to take care of their young ? 



7. What are some of the dangers from which the young of plants 

 must be protected ? 



8. What are some of the dangers from which the young of animals 

 must be protected ? 



9. Discuss whether or not a kitten's development can be hurried 

 by forcing its eyes open ? 



10. Discuss whether there is any way of hastening or slowing up the 

 development of a plant or an animal ? 



11. Make a special report on the breeding habits of the stickle- 

 back or some other nest-building fish. 



12. Give a report on the migrations and breeding habits of the 

 salmon or of the eel. 



13. Give a report on the breeding habits of the " obstetrical toad " 

 and compare these with the breeding habits of common toads. 



