Social Structures - Personal Statement Example

Social Structures Social Structures It is amazing to consider how mothers take care of their young. This phenomenon isnot just reserved for humans, but many animal groups exhibit a similar feature of protection when considering their offspring. As Anders (2013) states in her recent article in Science Illustrated, “Humans aren’t the only species to provide their young with a safe upbringing” (p. 56). While the point can certainly be made that many animals do leave their offspring at an early age to fend for themselves, the opposite is also true.

She makes this contention clear by focusing on five different examples of animal groups that have a great maternal instinct to take care of their children. One of the primary needs of young children (or animals) is to be fed. If one were to leave a young child without the care of a parent, that need would likely not be met. It is quite interesting to read how the humpback whales nurse their young, literally, around the clock. Not only does having the young whale near to their mother protect them from potential predators, but also the large amount of milk required for the young whale is provided on a continual basis.

This is similar to the way a human mother protects and nourishes her newborn baby. It was quite interesting to read about the chimps. In a similar fashion to humans, mothers of baby chimps act not only as their protector, but as their teacher as well. The maternal instinct present in this animal group seems to be most directly related to that of human beings. Mothers of both groups strive to impart many of the social skills necessary to ensure the survival of the young. In addition, mothers of chimps, like humans, have been known to risk their very life to protect their babies.

Finally, Anders gives further examples to support her argument by briefly discussing that Male African bullfrog, mute swan, and the giraffe. Each have their own unique way of caring for and protecting their young, but the parallel to human behavior is present in each. It was fascinating to discover, for example, that the giraffe community has implemented their own form of social kindergarten for their young. The bird community is especially fierce, so the mute swans spend much of their time working fiercely to protect their young from predators that strive to do harm.

Finally, the Male African bullfrog works behind the scenes to protect their eggs from predators to ensure that their offspring can actually enjoy life. ReferencePrieme, A. (2013). Parental guidance. Science Illustrated, 6(1), 56.