* Limited resources: Fewer eggs mean less offspring. Parents need to invest more in each individual to ensure survival.
* Increased vulnerability: With fewer offspring, each egg or hatchling represents a significant portion of the animal's reproductive potential. Protecting them becomes crucial.
* Parental care benefits: Nurturing young can involve providing food, warmth, protection from predators, and teaching essential skills. This increases the chances of offspring reaching adulthood.
Examples:
* Birds: Many birds that lay only a few eggs (like eagles, owls, and hawks) are known for their strong parental care. They incubate the eggs, bring food to the chicks, and defend them from predators.
* Reptiles: Some reptiles, such as crocodiles and alligators, also guard their nests and young.
* Fish: Certain fish, like cichlids, will actively defend their eggs and fry (young fish).
Exceptions:
* Sea turtles: While sea turtles lay many eggs, they bury them in the sand and leave them to hatch on their own.
* Some insects: Many insects lay a large number of eggs and don't provide parental care.
In conclusion: While there are exceptions, animals that lay only a few eggs often display strong parental care to increase the chances of their offspring surviving. This care can include protecting the eggs, incubating them, feeding the young, and teaching them essential skills.