Animals That Eat Their Own Species
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17 June 2024
Eating a member of the same species is known as cannibalism
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It can result in the spread of certain horrific diseases in addition to the potential evolutionary cost of eating your own family
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However, it has been observed in over 1500 species and has an evolutionary reason behind it
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Here is a look at the animals that eat their own species
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Chimpanzees feed on newborn infants. This occurs when they do not believe they are the father, to free up breeding possibilities for new females and outcompete others
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Lions also kill babies of their own. It occurs when a new male takes over pride and doesn't want to be a 'step-father'. It allows them to breed with the mothers more quickly
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Hippos have been recorded eating the corpses of other adults. This is especially surprising given that they are primarily herbivores
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Hamster mothers are known to sometimes eat their newborns. They do this when they are deficient in important vitamins and minerals
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Polar bears are also on the list. Cannibalism exists in this species due to the effect of climate change on their food supply and hunting activities
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