Zoologists: young animals also must learn to survive from birth

On the Latvian Radio programme "Zināmais nezināmajā" ("The Known in the Unknown"), zoologists Inta Lange and Vilnis Skuja, together with ornithologist Ance Priedniece, discussed how essential learning is in the animal and bird world.

The experts pointed out that unlike humans, who can rest and learn gradually, nature allows no such leeway — survival skills must be acquired without delay. From the very moment of birth, young animals and birds find themselves in an environment where their survival depends directly on the skills they manage to master.

Learning as a condition for survival

The guests emphasized that the process by which young animals and birds acquire necessary skills is closely tied to the laws of nature, which leave little room for mistakes or prolonged adaptation. This means that a young creature's ability to quickly learn important behaviors and reactions becomes one of the key factors determining whether it will survive and grow to maturity.

The zoologists and the ornithologist shared their knowledge and experience on the programme, explaining the mechanisms of the natural world that force young animals and birds to adapt to a rapidly changing environment from their very first days of life.

"Zināmais nezināmajā" is part of Latvian Radio's content that regularly explains natural science topics and everyday phenomena in an accessible way for a broad audience.