Question:
To have a
stable population, ducks must raise so many more eggs (up to 12) than,
say, loons. Why do you think this is true?
Discussion:
On average, many more
bad things happen to baby ducks than to baby loons. Loons nest right next
to the water, so the babies do not need to cross much land to get to the
water. Baby ducks risk being eaten by land predators and dogs and cats,
getting hit by cars, and simply becoming lost on their journey between
the nest and the water.
Once they reach the water, baby ducks spend more time in shallow water
where turtles lurk. And they are cared for by only one parent. Both loons
take care of their babies. Also, loon parents are better at fighting off
danger than ducks are.
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