# Life Sciences Paper 1, November 2024, question 3.1.4

> Explain why birds with altricial development usually have a short... Marked mark by mark. Q3.1.4, Life Sciences Paper 1 November 2024, 2 marks.

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Last updated: 2026-11-12

Subject: Life Sciences. Source: Based on Nov 2024 · Paper 1 · Q3.1.4. Marks: 2. Not yet checked by a teacher.

## Question 3.1.4 (2 marks)

The passage below describes the breeding habits of a pair of flamingos on a wetland.

Flamingos build a mud nest and the female lays a single egg. Both parents take turns to sit on the egg. The time from when the egg is laid until it hatches is only about 28 to 31 days. The newly hatched chick is helpless, so the parents feed it many times each day. Birds that hatch in this helpless state are said to show altricial development.

Explain why birds with altricial development usually have a short incubation period.

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