Lion cubs may be killed by males replacing other males in the pride.
[1]
In animals, infanticide involves
the killing of
young offspring by
a mature animal of its own species, and is studied
in zoology, specifically in the field of ethology.Ovicide is
the analogous destruction of eggs.
Although human infanticide has
been widely studied, the practice has been observed in many other species throughout the animal kingdom. These include microscopic rotifers, insects, fish, amphibians,birds and mammals.[2] Infanticide
can be practiced by both males and females.
Infanticide caused by sexual
conflict has the general theme of the killer (often male) becoming the new sexual partner
of the victim's parent, which would otherwise be unavailable. This represents a gain in fitness by
the killer, and a loss in fitness by the parents of
the offspring killed. This is a type of evolutionary
struggle between the two sexes,
in which the victim sex may have counter-adaptations that reduce the success of this practice. It may also occur for other reasons, such as the struggle for food between females. In this case individuals may even kill closely related offspring.
Filial infanticide occurs when a parent kills its own offspring. This sometimes involves consumption of the young themselves, which is termed filial
cannibalism. The behavior is widespread in fishes, and is seen in terrestrial animals as well.Human infanticide
has been recorded in almost every culture. A unique aspect of human infanticide is selective
infanticide based on gender.
