crèche
Quick Summary
The term "crèche" has multiple meanings. In biology, it refers to a group of young animals, such as penguins or bats, gathered together for care and protection. This behavior is observed in various species to ensure the safety and well-being of the young.1
Beyond biology, a crèche can also mean a day nursery or a foundling hospital, providing care for young children. Historically, the term has also been used for a representation of the Nativity scene. The word originates from French and is related to the word "crib".1
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penguinReproduction…in a nursery group, or crèche, sometimes guarded by a few adults, while both its parents forage at sea. Upon returning with food, the parent calls its chick from the crèche and is able to distinguish it from other chicks (which frequently respond) by voice and appearance.
Read More…in a nursery group, or crèche, sometimes guarded by a few adults, while both its parents forage at sea. Upon returning with food, the parent calls its chick from the crèche and is able to distinguish it from other chicks (which frequently respond) by voice and appearance.
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emperor penguinReproductionDuring the crèche stage, in which many young emperor penguins form groups for protection against the cold and predators, the fuzzy down covering is replaced by a coat of short stiff feathers, which are similar in composition to those of the adult but are usually somewhat different…
Read MoreDuring the crèche stage, in which many young emperor penguins form groups for protection against the cold and predators, the fuzzy down covering is replaced by a coat of short stiff feathers, which are similar in composition to those of the adult but are usually somewhat different…
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gentoo penguinNesting and breeding…chicks then form a “crèche” (or group) with other members of their cohort for protection while their parents are away gathering food. Fledging, the stage in which the young are prepared for adulthood, ends during February and March when the chicks are 14 weeks old, when the juveniles leave…
Read More…chicks then form a “crèche” (or group) with other members of their cohort for protection while their parents are away gathering food. Fledging, the stage in which the young are prepared for adulthood, ends during February and March when the chicks are 14 weeks old, when the juveniles leave…
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