Which term describes a chick that is hatched and ready to feed itself?

Which term describes a chick that is hatched and ready to feed itself?

• A. Altricial
• B. Precocial
• C. Endothermic
• D. Viviparous

Answer: (B)

Categorizing hatchlings by maturity at hatching helps predict how independent a chick will be from the start. Precocial describes chicks that hatch in a relatively mature state, with eyes open, able to stand, walk, and feed themselves soon after emerging from the egg. A chick that can feed itself immediately fits this description well, as seen in farm birds like chickens. In contrast, altricial hatchlings are born helpless and require extensive parental care; endothermic relates to maintaining body temperature rather than developmental status; viviparous refers to giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Therefore, the term that best describes a chick hatched and ready to feed itself is precocial.

Categorizing hatchlings by maturity at hatching helps predict how independent a chick will be from the start. Precocial describes chicks that hatch in a relatively mature state, with eyes open, able to stand, walk, and feed themselves soon after emerging from the egg. A chick that can feed itself immediately fits this description well, as seen in farm birds like chickens. In contrast, altricial hatchlings are born helpless and require extensive parental care; endothermic relates to maintaining body temperature rather than developmental status; viviparous refers to giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Therefore, the term that best describes a chick hatched and ready to feed itself is precocial.