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Mice Mothers Act as 'Midwives' for Friends in Need
21 Nov
Summary
- Experienced female mice assisted birth difficulties in peers.
- Assistance dramatically increased survival rates for mothers and pups.
- Maternal experience is crucial for successful 'midwife' behavior.
In a groundbreaking study, it was observed that experienced female mice demonstrate remarkable altruism by acting as midwives for peers struggling with childbirth. When a pregnant mouse experienced complications and her pups became stuck, a companion mouse intervened, using her mouth and paws to safely extract the newborns.
This intervention proved critical, drastically elevating survival rates for both mother and offspring. Without assistance, survival was near zero, but with the help of an experienced 'midwife,' survival rates surged to 90%. This behavior marks the first documented instance of such complex assistance in non-primate animals.
Further research revealed that maternal experience is a key factor. While novice female mice or males could offer some support, they lacked the specific knowledge to free newborns from their birth sacs, a vital step for breathing. These findings underscore the deep-seated role of experienced maternal care in ensuring survival during difficult births.
